Turab Lookman, a 67-year-old former scientist from Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been charged with making false official statements about his involvement with a Chinese government program.
A grand jury indicted Lookman on Wednesday on three counts of making false official statements about being recruited by and applying to participate in China’s Thousand Talents Program for personal compensation.
The indictment alleges that Lookman made false statements about his involvement with China’s Thousand Talents Program on an employment questionnaire, in a debriefing with a Los Alamos National Laboratory counterintelligence officer, and to an investigator from the National Background Investigation Bureau/Office of Personnel Management.
The FBI arrested Lookman yesterday after a grand jury indicted him on Wednesday on three counts of making false official statements about being recruited by and applying to participate in China’s Thousand Talents Program for personal compensation.
An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Lookman is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday.
According to the indictment, Lookman could face up to 5 years in prison if convicted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with support from Los Alamos National Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Kraehe is prosecuting the case.
Turab Lookman, Defendant’s Real Full Name
Exact Criminal Charges: Three counts of making false official statements about being recruited by and applying to participate in China’s Thousand Talents Program
City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Exact Date: May 23, 2024
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 5 years in prison if convicted
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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