The indictment further alleges that Ding uploaded confidential Google information to his private Google Cloud account and attended meetings to raise funds for a Chinese tech company while in China. By May 2023, Ding had launched his own China-based tech startup in the AI space and served as acting CEO. If convicted, Ding could face a $250,000 fine for each count and up to 10 years in prison. Google has thanked the FBI for their assistance and stated that the situation involved a single junior employee, not a widespread issue within the company.
Key takeaways:
- A Google employee, Linwei Ding, has been indicted by the US Department of Justice for stealing confidential AI technology and secretly working for tech companies in China.
- Ding allegedly stole over 500 files detailing Google's AI data center hardware and software, and created a secret startup in China without Google's knowledge.
- He was offered a role of CTO at a salary of $14,800 per month by a China-based tech company and also launched his own China-based tech startup in the AI space.
- If convicted, Ding could face a $250,000 fine for each count and up to 10 years in prison.