Three former engineers have been charged with stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech companies and sending the information to Iran. The indictment came from a federal grand jury, as announced by the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California on Thursday.
The engineers, two sisters named Samaneh Ghandali (41) and Soroor Ghandali (32), and their colleague Mohammadjavad Khosravi (40), are accused of illegally accessing and stealing confidential information from their employers and sharing it with the Iranian government.
The three engineers were employed by various tech companies in the Silicon Valley, including Google, until 2018 when they were terminated for violating company policies. It is alleged that they used their positions to gain access to sensitive information and then transferred it to Iran, violating U.S. laws and international sanctions.
This is a serious case that highlights the importance of protecting trade secrets and the consequences of violating intellectual property laws. The theft of trade secrets not only harms the companies involved but also poses a threat to national security.
The indictment states that the three engineers used fake accounts and aliases to conceal their actions and avoid detection. They also allegedly used encrypted messaging apps to communicate with their contacts in Iran and transfer the stolen information.
The charges against the Ghandali sisters and Khosravi include conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, unauthorized access to a computer, and wire fraud. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count.
The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, David L. Anderson, stated, “The indictment alleges a disturbing pattern of theft and deception by these defendants, who used their positions to steal valuable trade secrets and share them with a foreign government. The theft of trade secrets poses a serious threat to our national security and our economy, and we will aggressively prosecute those who seek to undermine it.”
Google has also released a statement expressing their disappointment and emphasizing their commitment to protecting their intellectual property. “We take the protection of our trade secrets very seriously and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation of this matter,” the statement reads.
The Ghandali sisters and Khosravi have yet to enter a plea, and it is unclear if they have legal representation. However, this case serves as a reminder to all employees to adhere to their company’s policies and respect the confidentiality of their employers’ trade secrets.
It is also a wake-up call for companies to strengthen their security measures and closely monitor their employees’ access to sensitive information. The consequences of trade secret theft can be severe, not only for the individuals involved but also for the companies and the country as a whole.
In today’s highly competitive and globalized world, trade secrets are crucial for a company’s success and survival. They give companies a competitive edge and are often the key to breakthrough innovations. Therefore, it is essential to have strict measures in place to protect them from theft and misuse.
The indictment of these former engineers is a significant step towards safeguarding trade secrets and deterring others from engaging in similar activities. It sends a strong message that stealing trade secrets will not be tolerated, and those who do so will be held accountable.
In conclusion, the charges against the three former engineers serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting trade secrets and the severe consequences of violating intellectual property laws. It is a call to action for companies to strengthen their security measures and for employees to adhere to their company’s policies and respect the confidentiality of their employers’ trade secrets. Let us all work together to safeguard our nation’s economy and national security by protecting our trade secrets.
