Chinese “Talent Programme” Engineer Stole 3600 Files On Missile, Aircraft Sensor Tech From US
Several documents containing proprietary information about high-tech sensors were found in the Chinese-American spy's possession. Image courtesy: AI-generated picture via DALL-E
A dual national of the United States (US) and China has pleaded guilty to illegally transferring sensitive military technology from an American defence contractor to personal devices.
Chenguang Gong, a 59-year-old engineer, admitted to stealing over 3,600 files containing classified missile detection technology during a brief period of employment in Los Angeles last year.
What secrets did Gong steal?
The US Department of Justice revealed that the stolen data included blueprints for advanced infrared sensors used in missile tracking and countermeasure systems. Authorities also linked Gong to China’s state-run “talent programme,” raising suspicions of coordinated foreign influence in US defence innovation.
The files recovered from Gong’s California home included detailed blueprints of space-based infrared sensors capable of detecting nuclear missile launches and tracking both ballistic and hypersonic missiles, The Telegraph (UK) reported.
Other stolen files described sensor systems for military aircraft designed to detect and evade heat-seeking missiles using infrared jamming. Documents related to “next-generation” low-observable detection technologies and specialised assemblies for housing and cooling sensors were also part of the breach.
According to investigators, the files were clearly marked as proprietary and valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. The company involved, though unnamed by the Justice Department, specialises in highly sensitive R&D for national defence applications.
Did Gong work for the Chinese government?
While employed at various US tech companies between 2014 and 2022, Gong applied multiple times to China’s so-called “talent programme.” The initiative, run by the Chinese government, recruits scientists and engineers from around the world to bolster China’s technological and military advancement.
Evidence presented in court showed Gong had proposed military-use technologies such as image sensors for night vision goggles and an analogue-to-digital converter to Chinese institutions. In 2014, he contacted a Chinese university with a pitch for military-grade electronics, later travelling to China to seek funding for their development.
What consequences does the spy now face?
Following his guilty plea, Gong faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for September 29. The financial damage caused by the theft exceeds $3.5 million, according to court filings.
