Trade Secrets Thief Caught Red-Handed
Anchi Hou, a 61-year-old resident of East Brunswick, New Jersey, has been charged with stealing thousands of files containing sensitive trade secrets from DuPont’s manufacturing facility in Parlin, New Jersey.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Hou allegedly copied and removed 20,000 files from his work computer at DuPont’s facility in the summer and fall of 2016.
The stolen files contained DuPont’s proprietary information, including formulas, data, and customer information related to flexographic printing plate technology.
Hou allegedly took the stolen files to assist him with his consulting business, which he had formed earlier in 2016.
After a forensic review of Hou’s personal computer, investigators discovered that it contained more than 20,000 stolen DuPont files.
Hou’s actions have serious consequences, with the charge of theft of trade secrets carrying a maximum potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss.
The investigation into Hou’s activities was led by the FBI’s Newark field office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher, and with the cooperation of security officials at DuPont.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James M. Donnelly and L. Judson Welle are representing the government in this case.
Hou is scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Newark this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and Hou is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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