Silicon Valley Engineers Indicted for Alleged Trade Secret Theft from Google and Other Tech Giants
In a significant development highlighting the ongoing challenges of protecting intellectual property in the tech industry, three engineers from Silicon Valley have been indicted on charges of allegedly stealing confidential technological data from Google and other leading technology firms. The accused individuals are:
– Samaneh Ghandali, 41
– Mohammadjavad “Mohammad” Khosravi, 40
– Soroor Ghandali, 32
All three are residents of San Jose, California. They were arrested and made their initial appearances in federal court in San Jose on Thursday.
Details of the Allegations
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, the trio is charged with conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, attempted theft, and obstruction of justice. The indictment alleges that the defendants, who were employed by major technology companies specializing in mobile computer processors, exploited their positions to access and exfiltrate sensitive files related to processor security, encryption, and advanced cryptography.
Employment Background
– Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali, who are sisters, both had tenures at Google before moving on to other technology firms referred to in the indictment as Company 2 and Company 3.
– Mohammadjavad Khosravi, who is married to Samaneh, was employed by another leading processor technology company.
Methods of Data Exfiltration
The indictment details that the defendants transferred hundreds of confidential files from Google to private communication channels named after their first names. These files, containing Google trade secrets, were subsequently copied to various personal and company-issued devices. To circumvent digital monitoring systems, the defendants allegedly employed manual methods such as photographing computer screens.
Detection and Investigation
In August 2023, Google’s internal security systems detected unusual activity, leading to the revocation of Samaneh Ghandali’s access. Despite signing affidavits denying any wrongdoing, investigators later discovered that the defendants continued to access the stolen data and conducted online searches on how to delete or conceal digital evidence.
International Implications
Before traveling to Iran in December 2023, Samaneh Ghandali allegedly photographed over two dozen screens displaying confidential data from Khosravi’s employer. These images were later accessed from Iran, raising concerns about the potential international dissemination of sensitive information.
Legal Proceedings
The defendants face multiple charges, including:
– Conspiracy to commit trade secret theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1832
– Obstruction of justice under 18 U.S.C. § 1512
Each count of trade secret theft carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Obstruction charges can lead to up to 20 years in prison, along with additional fines.
Investigation and Future Proceedings
The FBI’s San Francisco Field Office led the investigation, in coordination with the National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The defendants are scheduled to return to court on February 20, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
Broader Context
This case underscores the persistent threat of intellectual property theft in the technology sector. It highlights the need for robust internal security measures and vigilant monitoring to protect sensitive information. Companies are urged to implement comprehensive security protocols and foster a culture of ethical conduct among employees to mitigate the risk of such incidents.
