tech
February 20, 2026
Three Silicon Valley engineers charged with stealing Google trade secrets and sending data to Iran
A federal grand jury indicted three engineers on charges of stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech firms and transferring sensitive data to Iran.
TL;DR
- Three Silicon Valley engineers indicted for stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech companies.
- Prosecutors allege the defendants transferred sensitive data to Iran.
- The accused are identified as Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi.
- They allegedly exploited their positions to obtain hundreds of confidential files, including those related to processor security and cryptography.
- Google detected the alleged theft through routine security monitoring and alerted law enforcement.
- Authorities claim the defendants attempted to cover their tracks, including through false affidavits and searching for methods to delete communications.
- If convicted, the defendants face up to 10 years in prison per trade secret charge and up to 20 years for obstruction of justice.
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