A former Google software engineer faces charges in the US for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to artificial intelligence (AI) while working for two Chinese companies without disclosure.
Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, was indicted in California on four charges and arrested recently. He is accused of stealing over 500 confidential files.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines per count. No lawyer for Mr. Ding has been identified to comment on the case yet.
The stolen information involves Google’s supercomputing data center infrastructure, crucial for hosting and training large AI models. According to the indictment, Ding joined Google in 2019, responsible for developing this software. He allegedly began uploading data from Google’s network to his personal Google account in May 2022, continuing for a year.
During this period, Ding worked for Beijing Rongshu Lianzhi Technology in China, offered $14,800 (£11,620) monthly as Chief Technology Officer. He also founded his AI and machine learning firm, Shanghai Zhisuan Technology, serving as CEO.
Prosecutors claim Ding never informed Google about his involvement with these companies. He applied to a China-based organization to assist in developing his business and presented it at an investor conference in China in November 2023.
Upon returning to the US, Ding booked a one-way ticket from San Francisco to Beijing and resigned from Google on December 26 without the company’s knowledge. Google became suspicious after learning about Ding’s activities at the conference and suspended his access, uncovering unauthorized uploads.
Google’s spokesman emphasized the company’s rigorous safeguards against theft and its swift response in alerting authorities about alleged misconduct.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Ding sought personal gain by clandestinely working for companies vying for an edge in AI technology. He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing the theft of advanced technologies that could jeopardize national security.
FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted Ding’s alleged actions as indicative of China’s efforts to pilfer American innovation.
The US-China trade dispute, marked by tariffs and trade barriers, has escalated in recent years, worsening under the Biden administration. This includes new restrictions on trade, including computer chip exports.
