HOUSTON – A stunning revelation in the realm of academic and aerospace espionage has seen 53-year-old Texas A&M University (TAMU) Professor Zhengdong Cheng face a bevy of charges, including conspiracy and wire fraud.
The Houston native, who also held a position with NASA, is accused of shrouding his ties to Chinese institutions in a web of deceit. According to the DOJ, Cheng’s alleged actions have jeopardized American research and national security interests.
“China is building an economy and academic institutions with bricks stolen from others all around the world,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick warned. “We will hold those accountable when such conflict violates the law.”
The charges stem from Cheng’s alleged role in taking steps to obscure his collaboration with a Chinese university and at least one Chinese-owned company, despite explicit prohibitions in his grant agreement. The Department of Justice is determined to unmask these talent programs and their exploitation of American research institutions.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers echoed Patrick’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to expose the exploitation of our nation and its prized research assets. “Professor Cheng allegedly made false statements to his university and to NASA regarding his affiliations with the Chinese government,” Demers said.
The complaint further alleges that Cheng personally benefited from his affiliation, gaining unique access to NASA resources. This access was then used to bolster his standing in China, including senior research positions at Guangdong University of Technology and other universities, all while keeping TAMU and NASA in the dark.
Special Agent in Charge Mark Zielinski of NASA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) emphasized the importance of protecting taxpayer-funded research. “We will continue pursuing anyone who attempts to circumvent these guidelines,” he said.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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