Former Engineer Pleads Guilty to Trade Secrets Theft

A former engineer in Southern California has admitted to stealing sensitive U.S. government trade secrets linked to missile detection systems. Chenguang Gong, aged 59 and a dual U.S. citizen from San Jose, pleaded guilty on Monday to one charge of theft of trade secrets. His sentencing is scheduled for September 29, and he may face up to 10 years in prison for his actions, according to the Department of Justice.

Gong was employed at a research and development firm in the Los Angeles area, where he transferred over 3,600 files containing highly classified materials. This data included blueprints for infrared sensors used in space-based missile detection systems and countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles, crucial for the U.S. military’s aircraft. The trade secrets in question, marked for ownership and export controls, are valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.

Between March and April 2023, Gong moved numerous files from his work laptop to a personal storage device, including more than 1,800 files after accepting a position with one of his company’s competitors. Authorities subsequently retrieved these files from his home in Thousand Oaks.

Gong’s previous actions further intensify concerns. From 2014 to 2022, he sought opportunities in a Chinese government-sponsored talent program aimed at recruiting specialists for military and technological advancements. His proposal included developing missile navigation systems and night vision sensor technology that could potentially enhance China’s military capabilities.

The economic impact of Gong’s actions is estimated to exceed $3.5 million, and he could face the maximum penalty allowed by law, which is a substantial prison sentence.