Ex-Google engineer charged with stealing AI trade secrets while working with Chinese companies

Ex-Google engineer charged with stealing AI trade secrets while working with Chinese companies
Items are displayed in the Google Store at the Google Visitor Experience in Mountain View, California, Oct. 11, 2023. (AP/File)
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Updated 07 March 2024
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Ex-Google engineer charged with stealing AI trade secrets while working with Chinese companies

Ex-Google engineer charged with stealing AI trade secrets while working with Chinese companies
  • Linwei Ding, a Chinese national, was arrested in Newark, California, on four counts of federal trade secret theft
  • Google said it had determined that the employee had stolen “numerous documents” and referred the matter to law enforcement

WASHINGTON: A former software engineer at Google has been charged with stealing artificial intelligence trade secrets from the company while secretly working with two companies based in China, the Justice Department said Wednesday.

Linwei Ding, a Chinese national, was arrested in Newark, California, on four counts of federal trade secret theft, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The case against Ding, 38, was announced at an American Bar Association conference in San Francisco by Attorney General Merrick Garland, who along with other law enforcement leaders has repeatedly warned about the threat of Chinese economic espionage and about the national security concerns posed by advancements in artificial intelligence and other developing technologies.
“Today’s charges are the latest illustration of the lengths affiliates of companies based in the People’s Republic of China are willing to go to steal American innovation,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement. “The theft of innovative technology and trade secrets from American companies can cost jobs and have devastating economic and national security consequences.”
Google said it had determined that the employee had stolen “numerous documents” and referred the matter to law enforcement.
“We have strict safeguards to prevent the theft of our confidential commercial information and trade secrets,” Google spokesman Jose Castaneda said in a statement. “After an investigation, we found that this employee stole numerous documents, and we quickly referred the case to law enforcement. We are grateful to the FBI for helping protect our information and will continue cooperating with them closely.”
A lawyer listed as Ding’s defense attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday evening.
Artificial intelligence is the main battleground for competitors in the field of high technology, and the question of who dominates can have major commercial and security implications. Justice Department leaders in recent weeks have been sounding alarms about how foreign adversaries could harness AI technologies to negatively affect the United States.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a speech last month that the administration’s multi-agency Disruptive Technology Strike Force would place AI at the top of its enforcement priority list, and Wray told a conference last week that AI and other emerging technologies had made it easier for adversaries to try to interfere with the American political process.
Garland echoed those concerns at the San Francisco event, saying Wednesday that, “As with all evolving technologies, (AI) has pluses and minuses, advantages and disadvantages, great promise and the risk of great harm.”
The indictment unsealed Wednesday in the Northern District of California alleges that Ding, who was hired by Google in 2019 and had access to confidential information about the company’s supercomputing data centers, began uploading hundreds of files into a personal Google Cloud account two years ago.
Within weeks of the theft starting, prosecutors say, Ding was offered the position of chief technology officer at an early-stage technology company in China that touted its use of AI technology and that offered him a monthly salary of about $14,800, plus an annual bonus and company stock. The indictment says Ding traveled to China and participated in investor meetings at the company and sought to raise capital for it.
He also separately founded and served as chief executive of a China-based startup company that aspired to train “large AI models powered by supercomputing chips,” the indictment said.
Prosecutors say Ding did not disclose either affiliation to Google, which described him Wednesday as a junior employee.
He resigned from Google last Dec. 26.
Three days later, Google officials learned that he had presented as CEO of one of the Chinese companies at an investor conference in Beijing. Officials also reviewed surveillance footage showing that another employee had scanned Ding’s access badge at the Google building in the US where he worked to make it look like Ding was there during times when he was actually in China, the indictment says.
Google suspended Ding’s network access and locked his laptop, and discovered his unauthorized uploads while searching his network activity history.
The FBI in January served a search warrant at Ding’s home and seized his electronic devices, and later executed an additional warrant for the contents of his personal accounts containing more than 500 unique files of confidential information that authorities say he stole from Google.


Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf says ‘personally satisfied’ with fitness ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf says ‘personally satisfied’ with fitness ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 4 min 49 sec ago
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Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf says ‘personally satisfied’ with fitness ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf says ‘personally satisfied’ with fitness ahead of Champions Trophy
  • Rauf sustained muscular sprain in lower chest this month during first match of tri-nation series against New Zealand 
  • Hosts and defending champions Pakistan take on New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 opener on Feb. 19 in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fiery right-arm pacer Haris Rauf put injury fears to rest this week by saying he felt comfortable bowling during practice and was “personally satisfied” with his fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy opener. 

Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in his lower chest during Pakistan’s match against New Zealand earlier this month, triggering fears the bowler would be ruled out of the tournament. Along with pacers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rauf is an essential part of the South Asian country’s pace attack.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the southern port city of Karachi. Two days before the clash, Pakistan’s cricket team held a training and practice session at the Oval Ground of the PCB’s Hanif Muhammad High Performance Center in Karachi on Monday. 

“I am feeling very good and have been practicing with high intensity for the past two days,” Rauf told reporters on Monday. “I did a bit of bowling today as well and did not feel any pain. Personally I am satisfied but will follow the management’s plan.”

In response to a question, Rauf said Pakistan had plenty of spinners in the form of Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha apart from pacers. 

“We have a whole bowling unit and we properly utilize it as such,” Rauf said. “As a bowling unit, we have a lot of belief in ourselves.”

The Pakistani pacer pointed out that the green shirts have played the semifinal and final of two ICC T20 World Cups since 2021 and had also played the final of the Asia Cup in 2022. 

“We have together as a group for quite good time and wish to be remembered as the ones who won an ICC event for the country,” he said.

Pakistan are in Group A of the Champions Trophy tournament along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan comprise Group B. The top two teams will qualify for the next round of the tournament. 


Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh
Updated 26 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh

Saudi crown prince receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh
  • Rubio arrives in Kingdom after visit to Israel, the first leg of his Middle East tour
  • Russia, US delegates  will hold talks in Saudi Arabia in bid to end Ukraine war 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Monday.

The crown prince and Rubio discussed aspects of relations between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The latest regional and international developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability were also discussed. 

The Saudi ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff were among officials present at the meeting. 

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Earlier on in the day, Rubio was received by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the diplomats reviewed Saudi-US relations and ways to enhance them to serve the interests of both countries.

They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.

Rubio arrived in the Kingdom after a visit to Israel, the first leg of his first Middle East tour in his current position. Next up on his tour will be the United Arab Emirates.


Pakistan minister says over 400 human traffickers arrested amid migrant boat tragedies

Pakistan minister says over 400 human traffickers arrested amid migrant boat tragedies
Updated 31 min 32 sec ago
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Pakistan minister says over 400 human traffickers arrested amid migrant boat tragedies

Pakistan minister says over 400 human traffickers arrested amid migrant boat tragedies
  • Information Minister Ataullah Tarar says human traffickers’ properties seized, bank accounts frozen 
  • Pakistan has already reported two migrant boat tragedies this year near Morocco and Libyan coasts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said this week that the government has arrested over 400 human traffickers recently and seized their properties, state-run media reported as Islamabad cracks down on human smuggling amid an increase in migrant boat tragedies. 

Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on human smugglers after multiple boat tragedies resulted in its citizens getting killed. Two migrant boat tragedies involving dozens of Pakistanis — one near Morocco and the other off the coast of Libya — have been reported this year. Prior to these incidents, an overcrowded vessel carrying over 250 Pakistanis capsized in June 2023 near Greece, in what was one of the deadliest migrant boat disasters in recent history. 

Pakistan’s Senate on Friday approved amendments to three key laws aimed at combating human trafficking and illegal migration. The legislation, which covers human trafficking, migrant smuggling and emigration, seeks to strengthen penalties for offenders, including those involved in smuggling young girls and trafficking beggars to Gulf states.

“The National Assembly was informed today that over four hundred human smugglers have been arrested,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday. “Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar told the house during question hour that the properties of these human smugglers have been seized and their bank accounts frozen.”

The minister did not specify the time period during which these human traffickers were arrested. Tarar said the government has taken notice of human smuggling, stressing that those involved in the practice will “not find any place to hide and will receive strict punishment.”

The minister referred to last week’s legislation against human trafficking, saying that the laws were enacted to make the offense a non-bailable one. 

“He said anti-human trafficking cell has been activated and an awareness campaign has also been launched,” Radio Pakistan said. “He expressed the firm commitment to eradicate this menace.”

Migrant boat tragedies put the spotlight on perilous journeys many migrants undertake, often driven by economic hardship as young individuals seek better financial prospects by attempting dangerous crossings to Europe.

Several Pakistanis attempt the dangerous and illegal journey each year in a bid to escape surging inflation and opt for a better life as the cash-strapped country navigates a tricky path to economic recovery from a macroeconomic crisis. 


Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week

Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week
Updated 18 February 2025
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Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week

Amid drought warnings, Pakistan forecasts rain, snowfall in several regions this week
  • Last month, Pakistan Meteorological Department said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across the country
  • Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab were the most affected provinces, with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent respectively

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted rain, snow and thunderstorms in several parts of Pakistan this week, amid an ongoing drought that has dented winter crops in the country’s breadbasket.

Last month, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across Pakistan, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab being the most affected provinces with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

The severe drought, which was in fact part of a larger trend of increasing climate variability, has adversely impacted the growth of crops like wheat, a staple food, as well as vital cash crops like potato, according to the Pakistani climate change ministry.

However, a fresh weather advisory by the NDMA said rains were expected in Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which are likely to bring some respite to farmers who rely on rainwater to cultivate their lands.

“Rain and snowfall are expected in Pothohar region, including Murree and Galliyat, upper and northeastern Punjab, and Islamabad from February 19 to 21,” the NDMA said.

“Northern and northwestern Balochistan may experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall from February 18 to 20. Upper KP is likely to see similar conditions from February 18 to 20, while GB and AJK will have cloudy weather with rain, wind, and snowfall on February 19 and 20.”

The agriculture sector contributes nearly a quarter of Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 37 percent of the national labor force, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

Pakistan generally relies on water from the Indus river which bisects the country from north to south, where it empties into the Arabian Sea.

Experts say a fast-growing population, climate change and poor resource management with an over-reliance on a single water source are all spurring scarcity, and building water reservoirs, restoring wetlands and promoting drought tolerant crop varieties is vital to mitigating recurring and intensifying drought risks in the country.

In its advisory, the NDMA urged the public to use ‘Pak NDMA Alert App’ to stay updated about the weather conditions before traveling.

“NDMA has advised relevant authorities to stay vigilant, especially in snowfall and rain-prone areas,” it added.


Kohli, Rohit near endgame as India chase Champions Trophy glory

Kohli, Rohit near endgame as India chase Champions Trophy glory
Updated 18 February 2025
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Kohli, Rohit near endgame as India chase Champions Trophy glory

Kohli, Rohit near endgame as India chase Champions Trophy glory
  • Age is clearly catching up with the duo ahead of India’s first match of the 50-over Champions Trophy, against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai
  • Despite intense conjecture about their futures India head coach Gautam Gambhir said the two stalwarts will have “massive roles” to play at the Champions Trophy

DUBAI: India captain Rohit Sharma and superstar batsman Virat Kohli enter the Champions Trophy this week with intense focus on their dwindling powers and speculation over when they will retire.

The 37-year-old Rohit and Kohli, 36, got back among the runs to some degree in India’s 3-0 ODI home sweep of England last week.

But both have been mired in long lean patches in Tests and have already retired from T20 cricket following last year’s World Cup triumph.

Age is clearly catching up with the duo ahead of India’s first match of the 50-over Champions Trophy, against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai.

Neither player — both mainstays of a formidable India team for more than 15 years — has said what their plans are.

But one Indian media report, citing anonymous sources at the cricket board, said opener Rohit had been pressed to make a decision on his future by the time the tournament ends.

Rohit’s Test career already looks over, the skipper having “rested” for the decisive, final Test against Australia.

“Hopefully they know when the right time to play is,” India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev said.

“When they think it is not, they will call it off.”

Following the bruising 3-1 Test defeat in Australia, India’s board ordered contracted players to play domestic cricket.

But both flopped, with Rohit scoring three and 28 in his first and second innings for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and Kohli scoring six off 15 balls for Delhi.

If the idea was to help them play their way back into form, it did not work.

Despite intense conjecture about their futures India head coach Gautam Gambhir said the two stalwarts will have “massive roles” to play at the Champions Trophy.

India, who will play their games in Dubai after refusing to visit neighbors and hosts Pakistan, are favorites to win the title for a third time.

Rohit came into the England ODIs with just 31 runs in three matches in the Australia Test series defeat.

He scored two in the first ODI against England before rolling back the years in the second with a 90-ball 119.

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar was skeptical that Rohit could push on from there.

“He wanted a big hundred and he finally got it,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

“Whether he can hit a few more... we will have to wait. I am not confident.”

Rohit then got out for one in the final match against England.

It was in that match that Kohli finally came good with his 52 — his 73rd half-century in 297 ODIs.

Kohli started tentatively before finding his groove in Ahmedabad to finish with seven fours and one six in his 55-ball innings.

No matter what happens at the Champions Trophy, the expectation in India is that Kohli will continue to play Test cricket.

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen warned India against discarding the duo prematurely.

“You can’t write these guys off because of the aura they have when they walk out to bat,” said Pietersen in his role as a television pundit.

Pietersen said that Kohli in particular had earned the right to go out on his own terms.

“The question mark doesn’t come down to me, you, the selectors, the coaches, and the other players,” he said.

“Virat Kohli can only answer the question in terms of how long he wants to continue and how much fight he has to get better and to create those high standards that everybody expects from him.”