A federal jury has convicted Yanjun Xu, a Chinese nationalist, of committing economic espionage and stealing trade secrets from the United States, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
"The jury, by its guilty verdict here today, held Xu accountable for his classic spy techniques," Acting U.S. Attorney Vipal J. Patel for the Southern District of Ohio said, according to the press release. "Xu conspired to commit economic espionage on behalf of the Chinese government, and he tried to steal the valuable innovation and trade secrets of industry-leading American aviation technology companies. This office will continue to seek to protect American innovation and hold accountable those who attempt to steal our nation’s science and technology, regardless of status or affiliation, whether civilian, military or spy."
According to court documents, Xu, using various names, gained access to experts in the field of aviation and invited them to China under false pretenses of giving presentations at a Chinese university. When he made contact with the experts, he attempted to steal technology related to GE Aviation’s exclusive composite aircraft engine fan for China's benefit.
"This was state-sponsored economic espionage by the PRC designed to steal American technology and put Americans out of work," Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division said. "For those who doubt the real goals of the PRC, this should be a wakeup call. They are stealing American technology to benefit their economy and military. The FBI is partnering with over 50 U.S. Government agencies to share information and investigative resources to stop the PRC’s illegal activities."
Xu is the first Chinese intelligence officer to be extradited to the United States to stand trial and could face 15 years in prison for each count and a fine up to $5 million.
“This conviction of a card-carrying intelligence officer for economic espionage underscores that trade secret theft is integral to the PRC government’s plans to modernize its industries,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division said. "But this conviction also serves notice that the United States will not sit by as China, or any other nation-state, attempts to steal instead of researching and developing key technology. Instead, and with the support of our allies, we will continue to investigate, prosecute and hold accountable those who try to take the fruits of American ingenuity illegally."
