Ethical Hacking News
Three former Google engineers have been indicted on charges of trade secret theft and conspiracy, highlighting the dangers of insider threats in the world of technology.
Three former Google engineers, Samaneh Ghandali, Mohammadjavad Khosravi, and Soroor Ghandali, have been indicted on charges of trade secret theft and conspiracy. The defendants allegedly conspired to steal sensitive information from Google and other technology companies, transferring it to unauthorized locations in Iran. Samaneh Ghandali played a key role in the alleged scheme, using her position to obtain access to confidential information at Google and other companies. The investigation revealed that Ghandali manually photographed hundreds of computer screens containing trade secrets stored on Google devices. The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in activities aimed at concealing their actions from law enforcement and their employers, including submitting false affidavits and deleting communications related to their espionage activities. If convicted, each defendant faces significant prison sentences ranging from 10-20 years and fines of up to $250,000.
The world of technology is often synonymous with innovation, progress, and advancement. The giants of Silicon Valley, in particular, have become symbols of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is thought possible with each passing day. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly utopian environment lies a darker reality. A reality where former employees, emboldened by their insider knowledge, choose to betray their employers' trust for personal gain or to further the interests of foreign entities. This is precisely the scenario unfolding before our eyes in the case of three former Google engineers who have been indicted on charges of trade secret theft and conspiracy.
The indictment, announced by the Department of Justice (DoJ), alleges that Samaneh Ghandali, 41, her husband Mohammadjavad Khosravi, 40, and her sister Soroor Ghandali, 32, all Iranian nationals residing in San Jose, California, conspired to steal trade secrets from Google and other leading technology companies. This alleged scheme involved the transfer of hundreds of confidential documents, including sensitive information related to processor security, cryptography, and other cutting-edge technologies.
At the heart of this case lies a complex web of relationships between the defendants and their employers. Samaneh Ghandali and her sister Soroor worked at Google before joining another technology company identified as Company 3. Mohammadjavad Khosravi, on the other hand, was employed by a different company (named Company 2). All three were involved in mobile computer processors. This proximity to sensitive information is precisely what makes their actions suspect.
According to the DoJ, "as part of the alleged scheme to commit trade secret theft, the defendants used their employment to obtain access to confidential and sensitive information." This access allowed them to exfiltrate valuable data from Google and other companies, which was then transferred to unauthorized third-party locations. The targets of this espionage were not limited to just one company; rather, they included multiple technology firms.
The investigation reveals that Samaneh Ghandali, in particular, played a key role in the alleged scheme. She allegedly used her position to obtain access to confidential information at Google and other companies. Her actions went beyond mere curiosity, however. Rather, she actively sought to steal and transfer sensitive data from her employers for personal gain or the benefit of unauthorized parties.
One notable instance of Ghandali's involvement was when she manually photographed hundreds of computer screens containing trade secrets stored on Google devices. These photographs were then accessed on personal devices associated with each other. This behavior not only demonstrated a blatant disregard for her employer's trust but also underscored the defendants' resolve to facilitate espionage against their former employers.
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Samaneh Ghandali and Mohammadjavad Khosravi engaged in activities aimed at concealing their actions from law enforcement and their employers. They submitted false affidavits claiming they had not shared Google's confidential information with anyone outside of the company, despite having done so. In addition to this, both defendants allegedly sought out methods to delete communications related to their espionage activities.
Moreover, it has been revealed that Samaneh Ghandali continued to access Google trade secrets on her personal devices for extended periods after being revoked from accessing Google resources in August 2023. This breach of trust not only underscores the severity of her actions but also highlights the lack of effective internal security measures at Google during this period.
The indictment charges each defendant with multiple counts of trade secret theft and obstruction of justice, with potential prison sentences ranging from a maximum of 10 to 20 years and fines of up to $250,000. If convicted, they will face significant consequences for their actions.
This case serves as a stark reminder that the world of technology is fraught with perils both within and outside one's organization. Insider threats pose a unique risk, especially given the sensitive nature of information handled by tech giants like Google.
In conclusion, this indictment underscores the seriousness with which corporate espionage must be taken. It highlights the importance of robust internal security measures and effective breach detection systems. Moreover, it serves as a cautionary tale for those who would seek to betray their employers' trust for personal gain or foreign interests.
Summary:
Three former Google engineers have been indicted on charges of trade secret theft and conspiracy. The indictment alleges that they conspired to steal sensitive information from Google and other technology companies, transferring it to unauthorized locations in Iran. If convicted, each defendant faces significant prison sentences and fines. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of internal security measures and the seriousness with which corporate espionage must be taken.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/The-Dark-Underbelly-of-Innovation-Exposing-the-Trade-Secret-Theft-Ring-Involving-Former-Google-Engineers-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2026/02/three-former-google-engineers-indicted.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/20/three-engineers-charged-stealing-google-trade-secrets-data-iran-soc-snapdragon.html
Published: Fri Feb 20 00:10:01 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
