Cung Than Quang, a Chinese-origin engineer living in San Jose City, California, admitted to stealing US trade secrets, including sensitive technology for military purposes.
According to the US Department of Justice on July 21, Cung Than Quang pleaded guilty in federal court in California and could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Cung Than Quang was arrested in February 2024 on charges of copying more than 3,600 files from the research and development company where he worked in Los Angeles to personal archival devices.
Among these documents is an infrared sensor design for space systems, helping to detect nuclear missile launches, ballistic missile tracking and hypersonic missiles.
The Than Quang Palace was also accused of stealing a design to support US military aircraft in detecting heat-range missiles and deploying appropriate defense measures. The identity of the company where he works was not disclosed.
Born in China and naturalized as a US citizen in 2011, Cung Than Quang started working at a company in Los Angeles in 2023. Previously, from 2014 to 2022, he worked at a number of large technology companies in the US.
During this time, Cung Than Quang has submitted applications to participate in many programs to attract Chinese talents, which have been implemented by the Chinese government to invite experts and scholars to serve the goals of science, technology and national innovation.
After pleading guilty, Cung Than Quang paid a $1.75 million guarantee and will hear the verdict on September 29.