Former Google Engineer Linwei Ding Charged with Stealing ai Trade Secrets and Secretly Working with Chinese Firms
A former Google engineer, Linwei Ding, a 38-year-old Chinese national, has been charged with stealing trade secrets related to the company’s artificial intelligence (ai) technology and secretly working with two Chinese firms.
Arrest in Newark, California
Linwei Ding was arrested on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, in Newark, California. The charges include four counts of federal trade secret theft, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Development of ai Software
Ding was initially hired by Google in 2019 to develop software for the company’s supercomputing data centers. The indictment alleges that Ding began transferring sensitive trade secrets and confidential information to his personal Google Cloud account in 2021.
US Department of Justice Statement
“Ding continued periodic uploads until May 2, 2023, by which time Ding allegedly uploaded more than 500 unique files containing confidential information,” said the US Department of Justice in a statement.
Further Allegations
Prosecutors claim that after stealing the trade secrets, Ding was offered a chief technology officer position at a startup ai company in China and participated in investor meetings for that firm. Additionally, Ding is alleged to have founded and served as CEO of a China-based startup focused on training ai models using supercomputing chips.
FBI Director Christopher Wray’s Statement
“Today’s charges are the latest illustration of the lengths affiliates of companies based in the People’s Republic of China are willing to go to steal American innovation,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Maximun Penalty for Conviction
If convicted on all counts, Ding faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Importance of Intellectual Property Theft
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and China over intellectual property theft and the race to dominate emerging technologies like ai. This can cost jobs and have devastating economic and national Website security consequences.
TechForge
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge.
