A former Google software engineer has been convicted by a U.S. federal jury for stealing confidential artificial intelligence data from Google and secretly sharing it for commercial use linked to China-based companies. The verdict was delivered in San Francisco after an 11-day trial, marking one of the most serious AI trade-secret cases in recent years.
The accused, Linwei Ding, also known as Leon Ding, is a 38-year-old former Google employee. Prosecutors stated that he misused his trusted position inside the company to gain unauthorized access to sensitive AI-related documents. The jury found him guilty after reviewing extensive digital evidence and testimony.
According to court findings, the theft took place between May 2022 and April 2023. During this time, Ding transferred more than 2,000 confidential internal files from Google’s secured systems into his personal cloud storage. These documents were classified as trade secrets and were not meant to leave Google’s internal network.
The stolen information covered seven major categories of AI technology. This included detailed designs of Google’s Tensor Processing Units, advanced GPU systems, SmartNIC networking cards, and the specialized software used to coordinate thousands of chips in AI supercomputers. Prosecutors said this technology is critical to running large-scale AI models.
While still employed at Google, Ding was secretly involved with two technology companies based in China. Evidence showed that he was negotiating executive roles, including a potential Chief Technology Officer position. Later, he founded his own AI startup in China and used the stolen information to attract investors.
During investor pitches, Ding claimed he could build powerful AI infrastructure by copying and modifying Google’s systems. Prosecutors argued that these claims were only possible because of the stolen data. The jury agreed that the actions were intentional and aimed at benefiting foreign commercial interests.
Ding was convicted on 14 criminal counts, including seven counts of economic espionage and seven counts of theft of trade secrets. Each espionage charge carries a possible sentence of up to 15 years, while each trade-secret charge carries up to 10 years. His final sentence will be decided by the court later.
U.S. officials said the conviction highlights the importance of protecting advanced technology and national security. The investigation was led by the FBI and federal prosecutors under a program focused on preventing illegal transfer of sensitive technology. Authorities stated the verdict sends a clear warning against AI-related economic espionage.
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