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.
TL;DR
- 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.