A Chinese national accused of stealing sensitive COVID-19 research data from U.S. institutions has been arrested in Italy, according to officials.
The individual, identified as Zhang Tao, 38, was detained at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on Monday. He was apprehended based on a Red Notice issued by Interpol at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Zhang is accused of participating in a series of cyberattacks on U.S. pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, and government agencies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOJ alleges that Zhang worked with another hacker to steal intellectual property related to vaccine development and coronavirus treatments.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the cyberattacks were conducted on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS). The data allegedly stolen by Zhang was reportedly used to advance China’s own biomedical efforts.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has had Zhang on its cyber most-wanted list since 2021. The charges against him include conspiracy to commit computer fraud, theft of trade secrets, and unauthorized access to protected systems.
Zhang’s arrest has sparked diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing. The Chinese Embassy in Rome issued a strong statement demanding Zhang’s release, claiming he is a private citizen and that the arrest is “politically motivated.” China also accused the United States of using cybersecurity allegations to damage bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department expressed appreciation for Italy’s cooperation. It confirmed that the U.S. is moving forward with extradition proceedings under a bilateral agreement with Italy.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that the case highlights a broader trend of state-sponsored cyberattacks, particularly those targeting health infrastructure during the pandemic. A 2022 report by cybersecurity firm Mandiant found that more than 40 health organizations worldwide were targeted during 2020–21 by nation-state actors.
“This case is part of a much larger global pattern,” said Dr. Lauren Keller, a cybersecurity analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Governments are increasingly using hackers to gain economic and scientific advantages.”
The extradition process is expected to be lengthy and legally complex. Zhang is currently being held in Italian custody while a court reviews the U.S. request.
The outcome of this case could have major implications for international cybersecurity cooperation, global health research security, and diplomatic relations between the world’s leading powers.
