US Charges Chinese Man Accused Of Hacking Into Universities to Steal COVID-19 Research

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced shocking charges on July 8 against a Chinese national, taking him into custody in Italy at the request of American authorities. The suspect, identified as Ai Qizhi, is accused of orchestrating a massive cyber-heist to steal sensitive COVID-19 research from top universities across the United States.

According to sources, Ai, 35, was apprehended by Italian law enforcement on June 26 at the behest of US investigators. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) had been tracking Ai's digital footprints for months, uncovering a complex web of hacking schemes and shell companies linked to his Chinese nationality.

The investigation revealed that Ai had infiltrated the computer networks of several prominent universities in the United States, exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to classified research data. The stolen information included confidential details about COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.

US Attorney Damian Williams stated, "The alleged hacking scheme by Ai Qizhi represents a brazen attempt to exploit the intellectual property of American universities for China's own benefit." He added that the US would not tolerate such egregious behavior and vowed to hold those accountable for their actions.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies worked closely with Italian authorities to track down Ai, who was allegedly using encrypted communication channels and virtual private networks (VPNs) to conceal his digital tracks. His suspected accomplices in China remain at large.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, concerns about intellectual property theft and national security continue to mount. The US government's swift action in this case sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated on American soil.