Ex-Google engineers accused of helping themselves to chip security secrets
The Register
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two former Google engineers, Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali, along with an alleged accomplice, Mohammadjavad Khosravi, have been charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a federal case involving the theft of sensitive chip and cryptography technology secrets. The trio is accused of conspiring to siphon confidential information from multiple tech companies, including Google, and routing some of the stolen data to Iran. Prosecutors allege that Samaneh Ghandali transferred hundreds of internal files, including trade secrets, to a third-party platform while working at Google. Soroor Ghandali is also accused of sharing numerous files, which later appeared on personal devices linked to the group. Khosravi, married to Samaneh, allegedly facilitated access to sensitive information through his employer.
The indictment details how the defendants attempted to conceal their activities, including destroying records, making false statements, and photographing screens instead of directly transferring documents. This case highlights a calculated effort to bypass detection, with the stolen technology potentially impacting national security and economic interests. Google responded by enhancing its safeguards and collaborating with law enforcement, emphasizing its commitment to protecting trade secrets.
The DOJ and FBI have framed this as a significant issue beyond an internal corporate dispute, stressing the importance of safeguarding innovation in Silicon Valley. The case underscores the risks of intellectual property theft and the deliberate betrayal of trust by individuals within tech companies. Law enforcement has prioritized this matter, working closely with private sector partners to combat unlawful exploitation of American technology.
This incident raises concerns about the global implications of trade secret theft, particularly when data is routed to countries like Iran, which may have broader national security ramifications. The case also serves as a reminder of the lengths individuals will go to conceal such activities, including sophisticated methods to evade detection. For tech companies and their stakeholders, this highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilance in protecting sensitive information.
In summary, the theft of chip and cryptography secrets by former Google employees not only threatens corporate interests but also poses significant risks to national security and global innovation. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and underscores the ongoing challenges tech companies face in combating such threats.
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Originally published on The Register on 2/20/2026