Ex-Los Alamos Worker Lookman Sentenced for China Lie

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The grimy halls of justice were again tested when Turab Lookman, 68, a Santa Fe native, was sentenced to five years of probation and a $75,000 fine by U.S. District Judge James A. Parker for lying about his recruitment by the Chinese government’s Thousand Talents Program.

Lookman, once an employee at the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory, faced the court after admitting to falsely denying contact with the program during an investigation into potential espionage activities. The sentence was handed down on September 11, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against foreign influence in American research facilities.

According to court documents, Lookman denied having any interaction with the program on June 6, 2018. However, he later pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the Department of Energy, a charge that threatened his career and national security.

“The safeguarding of research conducted at our national laboratories is critical to the security of the United States,” U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico John C. Anderson stated in a stern warning. “I commend the work of the FBI in identifying this defendant and investigating this case. The message here is clear: if you work with foreign interests to jeopardize our national security, the Department of Justice will find you and you will be prosecuted.”

The investigation into Lookman’s activities was spearheaded by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Kraehe and Jon Stanford prosecuting the case. As part of his probation, Lookman is prohibited from leaving New Mexico, ensuring that he remains under close watch.

This conviction serves as a stark reminder to those in sensitive positions of the severe consequences of disregarding national security protocols, particularly when dealing with foreign entities. The sentence handed down by Judge Parker sends a powerful message that such transgressions will not go unpunished.