Russian hackers are trying to steal COVID-19 vaccine and treatment research from academic and pharmaceutical institutions around the world, according to the UK’s cyber security agency.

A co-ordinated statement from the UK, US and Canada attributed the attacks to group APT29, also known as ‘Cozy Bear’, which they said was almost certainly operating as part of Russian intelligence services.

“We condemn these despicable attacks against those doing vital work to combat the coronavirus pandemic,” said National Cyber Security Centre Director of Operations Paul Chichester.

Russian news agency RIA cited spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying the Kremlin rejected London’s allegations, which he said were not backed by proper evidence.