Intel Sues Former Engineer Over Theft of 18,000 Confidential Files
Intel Corporation has initiated a federal lawsuit against former software developer Jinfeng Luo, alleging the unauthorized download of approximately 18,000 confidential files, many labeled as Top Secret, shortly after his termination.
Background of the Incident
Employed since 2014, Luo was based in Seattle and received notice of his impending dismissal on July 7, 2025, as part of Intel’s global workforce reduction affecting over 15,000 employees. His official termination date was July 31, 2025.
Details of the Alleged Data Theft
According to Intel’s lawsuit filed in Washington federal court, Luo attempted to transfer files from his work laptop to an external hard drive on July 23, 2025. This initial attempt was thwarted by Intel’s security protocols. However, on July 28, 2025, Luo allegedly connected a different storage device and successfully downloaded about 18,000 files, many marked as Top Secret.
Intel’s Response and Legal Actions
The unauthorized transfer triggered an internal investigation. Intel’s efforts to contact Luo at his Seattle residence and other associated addresses, including one in Portland, were unsuccessful. Consequently, Intel filed a lawsuit seeking at least $250,000 in damages, attorney fees, and a court injunction to prevent Luo from disclosing the stolen information.
Implications for Corporate Data Security
This incident underscores the challenges companies face in safeguarding sensitive information during layoffs. It highlights the need for robust security measures to prevent insider threats and protect intellectual property.
