Three engineers working in Silicon Valley are facing federal charges for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech companies, then transferring sensitive data to Iran. A federal grand jury handed down indictments that mark one of the most serious cases of corporate espionage targeting American tech infrastructure in recent years. The charges come as tensions escalate over technology theft and national security concerns, with prosecutors alleging the engineers exploited their insider access to compromise some of the industry's most closely guarded intellectual property.
Three engineers with access to some of Silicon Valley's most sensitive technology are now facing federal criminal charges for what prosecutors allege was a coordinated effort to steal trade secrets from Google and other major tech companies before transferring that data to Iran.
The indictments, handed down by a federal grand jury, represent one of the most serious cases of corporate espionage targeting American tech infrastructure to emerge in recent years. While specific details about the engineers' identities and which other companies were affected remain limited in initial court filings, the charges signal an escalation in how federal authorities are approaching insider threats in the technology sector.
The timing couldn't be more sensitive. Tech companies are racing to protect their AI research and infrastructure designs, with trade secrets representing billions in R&D investment. Google alone spends over $40 billion annually on research and development, much of it focused on AI systems, cloud infrastructure, and proprietary algorithms that form the backbone of its competitive advantage.
What makes this case particularly alarming is the alleged foreign state connection. Iran has been ramping up its efforts to acquire Western technology through both cyber operations and insider recruitment, according to cybersecurity experts. The involvement of engineers working directly inside major tech firms represents a significant breach of trust and security protocols that companies rely on to protect their most valuable assets.
The charges come as corporate espionage cases are becoming more common in Silicon Valley. Just last year, federal prosecutors brought charges against former Apple engineers for allegedly stealing autonomous vehicle trade secrets. But cases involving data transfers to foreign adversaries add an extra layer of national security concern that goes beyond typical corporate theft.
