Silicon Valley Engineers Accused of Selling Secrets

The Crime Unfolding

A federal grand jury says three engineers based in San Jose stole hundreds of confidential files from Google and other chip developers and moved that data toward Iran. Authorities allege the defendants took processor security documents, cryptography materials, and system on chip architecture details that companies guard closely. Those kinds of documents are what make modern phones secure and fast, and in the wrong hands they become a cheat sheet for rivals and hostile state actors.

Who Was Involved

The indictment names Samaneh Ghandali, a U.S. citizen, her sister Soroor Ghandali, here on a student visa, and Samaneh’s husband Mohammadjavad Khosravi, a lawful permanent resident who previously served in the Iranian military. Samaneh and Soroor worked at Google before moving to another tech firm. Khosravi worked at a company that builds SoC platforms similar to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, technology used across high end Android phones and in iPhones. The mix of insider access and specialized knowledge made the alleged scheme particularly dangerous.

How They Allegedly Operated

Prosecutors say the trio exploited their insider access to copy files to personal devices, photograph screens, and route material through third party messaging platforms to hide the trail. Investigators note searches on the suspects’ devices about how to delete communications and how long carriers retain records. In one striking claim, photos of a work screen with secrets were taken just before two defendants traveled to Iran. If true, the tactics show deliberate steps to evade detection rather than an accidental lapse.

Caught, Charged, and Facing Serious Penalties

Google’s internal security reportedly flagged suspicious activity in August 2023 leading to revoked access and a law enforcement tip. The unsealed indictment charges conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice. Each count carries heavy prison potential of up to 10 years per trade secret count and additional penalties for obstruction. Beyond the courtroom, this case fuels growing concerns about foreign espionage risks inside U.S. tech centers and the need for stronger corporate and national safeguards.

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