Italy Approves Extradition of Chinese National Accused of Stealing COVID-19 Research for Beijing

Italian authorities have greenlit the handover of a Chinese citizen to the United States on charges linked to the theft of critical pandemic research, according to sources familiar with the decision.

The Italian government's determination to proceed with the extradition follows a court ruling issued earlier this month that cleared the way for Xu Zewei's transfer to American custody. Bloomberg first reported the development.

Details of the Case

Xu was taken into custody in Milan on July 3 following a request from US law enforcement officials. American prosecutors have charged him with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with alleged computer intrusions carried out between February 2020 and June 2021.

According to the US Justice Department, Xu orchestrated the unauthorized access and subsequent theft of vital COVID-19 research materials as part of operations directed by the Chinese government during that period.

Response from the Defense

Xu's legal representative, Enrico Giarda, stated that his client has yet to be formally notified of any extradition proceedings. Following his arrest, the defense team contended that Xu had been wrongfully identified and was a victim of mistaken identity.

A spokesperson for the Italian government declined to provide further comment on the extradition approval.