Linwei Ding, a ex-Google software engineer, is charged with stealing AI trade secrets from Google and leaking them to Chinese companies. The U.S. Department of Justice released information on Ding’s case on February 5 and stated that his potential jail time is 175 years.
How Did Ding Steal Google’s Secrets?
As per the agency, Ding worked with Google from 2019 to 2023 and had access to certain locked AI systems. Between May 2022 and May 2023, Ding allegedly transferred over 1,000 confidential Google files to his personal Google Cloud account.
Contents included details about Google’s AI supercomputing technology, its specialized SmartNIC, TPU, and GPU chips. This technology is critical in keeping Google competitive in AI and improving its computing power.
Former Google engineer indicted for stealing AI secrets to aid Chinese companies https://t.co/vDN5eRffkP
— Charlotte Warnick (@arizonamama80) February 23, 2025
Hidden Ties to Chinese Tech Firms
The case says Ding secretly worked with two Chinese tech companies. In June 2022, he started talking about AI projects with a top executive from one company. By May 2023, he had started his own AI company in China and became its CEO—all while still working at Google.
The DOJ says Ding stole Google’s AI secrets to help the Chinese government. His presentations to employees at his company included statements like:
“This will help China develop computing power equal to global standards.”
The Investigation and Possible Punishment
Ding was arrested in March 2024 and charged with four counts of theft of trade secrets. The FBI is still investigating, and the final trial will decide his fate.
If convicted on all charges, Ding faces:
- 175 years in prison
- A fine of up to $36.75 million
However, the actual punishment will be decided based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
What This Means for AI and Tech Security
This case shows the rising risks of AI theft and tech spying. As AI becomes more important worldwide, companies like Google must work harder to keep their secrets safe.
Right now, the case is still ongoing, and Ding is innocent until proven guilty. But if he is found guilty, it could be one of the biggest punishments ever for stealing tech secrets.
