Italy extradited Xu Zewei to the U.S., where he appeared in Houston federal court on charges tied to alleged Chinese hacking and COVID-19 research intrusions.
Italy has extradited alleged Chinese hacker Xu Zewei to the United States, where he has appeared in federal court in Houston, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
The DOJ said on April 27 that Xu is charged in a nine-count indictment over intrusions that allegedly took place between February 2020 and June 2021. U.S. prosecutors say some of the targets were COVID-19 research projects during the pandemic.
Reuters and ANSA reported that Italy approved the extradition after a top court there cleared the way earlier this month. Euronews said Italian police had arrested Xu at Milan Malpensa airport in July 2025 on a U.S. warrant.
The case brings a long-running cyberespionage investigation into U.S. court. Prosecutors say the allegations include activity linked to HAFNIUM, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking campaign that drew wide attention during the pandemic.
Xu has not been convicted, and the case will now move forward in the U.S. judicial system. China has criticized the extradition, while the DOJ and U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston described the move as an important step in the case.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.