A former Google engineer, Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, has been found guilty of stealing and selling confidential AI Technology to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Leon Ding, 38, was found guilty on seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets.
He was found guilty of stealing thousands of pages of confidential information containing Google’s trade secrets related to artificial intelligence technology for the benefit of China.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had issued a series of updates highlighting recent enforcement actions across the United States, underscoring its commitment to protecting national security and public safety.
Espionage Conviction
The former Google engineer was convicted of stealing confidential artificial intelligence technology.
The FBI emphasized that safeguarding U.S. innovation against espionage remains a top priority.
It warned that intellectual property theft poses a serious risk to national competitiveness.
Violent Crime Task Force
In North Carolina, federal, state, and local partners launched the Catawba Valley Violent Crime Task Force.
The initiative aims to address rising violent crime in the region by pooling resources and strengthening collaboration between agencies.
Threats Against Federal Officials
Two Kansas residents were indicted in separate cases for making threats against federal officials.
The FBI stressed that such actions undermine democratic institutions and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Sentencing in Murder-for-Hire Plot
In Brooklyn, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for orchestrating a murder-for-hire scheme targeting a journalist critical of the Iranian government.
The case highlights the FBI’s role in protecting freedom of the press and combating transnational repression.
Broader Implications
- National Security: The espionage conviction demonstrates the FBI’s vigilance in defending U.S. technological leadership.
- Community Safety: Regional task forces show how federal-local partnerships can combat crime more effectively.
- Democratic Integrity: Prosecutions of threats against officials reinforce accountability and deterrence.
- Global Impact: The Brooklyn sentencing sends a strong message against foreign intimidation of journalists.
The FBI’s latest enforcement actions reflect a multi-pronged approach to tackling espionage, violent crime, and threats to democratic institutions.
By publicizing these cases, the Bureau evidently aims to reassure the public of its active role in safeguarding both national security and community safety.
