A U.S.-Chinese dual citizen, Chenguang Gong, has pleaded guilty to stealing trade secrets related to next-generation national security technology. Although he admitted to the crime, he remains free on a $1.75 million bond, with a sentencing date set for September 29. The potential maximum penalty for his actions is 10 years in prison.
The stolen files, which include blueprints for sophisticated infrared sensors used in space-based missile detection systems and military aircraft countermeasures, are critical to U.S. national security. Federal prosecutors argue that these files could cause significant economic harm if they fall into the hands of competitors and pose a danger to U.S. security if accessed by international actors.
Prosecutors highlighted that the information Gong transferred includes detailed designs, techniques, and specifications for advanced infrared sensors used in space-based systems to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Additionally, the files contain technology that enables military aircraft to detect and counter incoming heat-seeking missiles by jamming their infrared tracking capabilities. These technologies are vital to the U.S. military’s ability to monitor and respond to potential threats effectively.
The stolen files are described as the company’s most important trade secrets, with the DOJ stating they are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The company’s work is funded by contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other government contractors, underscoring the strategic importance of the technology in national defense.
Gong was employed as an application-specific integrated circuit design manager at the company from January 2023 until his termination in April 2023. During his brief tenure, he transferred thousands of files to personal storage devices, including over 1,800 files after he had accepted a job at a competitor. The stolen data includes proprietary information related to the development of advanced sensors capable of detecting low-observable targets and demonstrating increased survivability in space. This information is central to the company’s competitive edge and its ability to fulfill critical defense contracts.
Law enforcement authorities indicated that Gong had a history of applying for