US Offers Up to $10 Million for Information on Chinese Man Accused of Stealing COVID-19 Research

Zhang Yu allegedly worked for China’s Ministry of State Security. His co-defendant was extradited from Italy in April to face U.S. charges.
US Offers Up to $10 Million for Information on Chinese Man Accused of Stealing COVID-19 Research

The U.S. State Department is offering up to $10 million for information on Zhang Yu, a Chinese national accused of cyberespionage for the Ministry of State Security. Zhang allegedly stole COVID-19 research from American institutions on behalf of Beijing. His co-defendant, Xu Zewei, was arrested in Italy and extradited to the U.S. in April 2026 to face hacking charges.

  • The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million.
  • The reward is for information on Zhang Yu, a Chinese national accused of working for Beijing’s intelligence services.
  • Zhang allegedly stole COVID-19 research from American universities and scientists.
  • He is accused of conducting cyberespionage for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
  • Zhang’s co-defendant, Xu Zewei, was arrested in Italy in July 2025 and extradited to the U.S. on April 25, 2026.
  • Xu faces federal hacking charges in Houston.
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