LOS ANGELES – In a shocking turn of events, Chinese national and researcher Guan Lei has been charged with destroying evidence during an FBI investigation into the possible transfer of sensitive U.S. software to China.
The 29-year-old from Alhambra was observed discarding a damaged hard drive in a trash bin outside his apartment, prompting the FBI’s intervention.
According to court documents, Guan Lei, who was on a J-1 non-immigrant visa, is under investigation for transferring sensitive U.S. software or technical data to China’s National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). He also allegedly misrepresented his connection with the Chinese military during his 2018 visa application and federal interviews.
The affidavit states that Guan Lei concealed digital storage devices from investigators and falsely claimed he had no contact with the Chinese consulate while in the U.S. The internal hard drive was irreparably damaged, suggesting deliberate data removal.
Guan Lei’s initial appearance saw a judge order his detention, with an arraignment set for September 17. The destruction of evidence charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with substantial assistance from the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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