Yanjun Xu, Espionage, Ohio 2024
Chinese Official Convicted in Cincinnati Espionage Case
Cincinnati, Ohio - A Chinese intelligence agent has been found guilty of conspiring to commit economic espionage and stealing trade secrets from a Cincinnati-based company.
Yanjun Xu, a deputy division director at the Chinese Ministry of State Security, was convicted on all counts, including conspiring to and attempting to commit economic espionage and stealing trade secrets.
The verdict was announced on April 17, 2024, following a trial that began on October 19, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million per count. Theft of trade secrets carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Xu targeted companies in the United States and abroad that are recognized as leaders in the field of aviation, recruiting employees to travel to China under the guise of giving a presentation at a university. He attempted to steal technology related to GE Aviation's exclusive composite aircraft engine fan.
The FBI, with the cooperation of the company and the government of Belgium, arrested Xu in Belgium on April 1, 2018. The Department of Justice Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs secured Xu's extradition to the United States with the assistance of the government of Belgium and the Belgian Federal Police.
Economic espionage is a serious crime that threatens the security and innovation of the United States. The conviction of Yanjun Xu is a significant victory for the American people and the U.S. intelligence community.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Defendant: Yanjun Xu
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to commit economic espionage, attempted economic espionage, and theft of trade secrets
City and State: Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: April 17, 2024
Sentence: Guilty verdict, pending sentencing
Fine: Up to $5 million per count
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Cybercrime|International Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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