Former Google engineer Linwei Ding is indicted for stealing over 500 files containing AI trade secrets, including TPU chip designs and machine learning workload designs.

Ding transferred the stolen data to his personal Google Cloud account and a Chinese company, Rongshu, while leading his own startup, Zhisuan.

He is accused of faking attendance at Google's US office by having another employee scan his badge, while he worked remotely from China.

The Justice Department arrested 38-year-old Ding, who faces up to 10 years in prison and $1 million in fines if convicted.

The FBI seized electronic devices from Ding's residence, with the investigation run by the Disruptive Technology Strike Force of the Justice and Commerce Departments.

The case underlines U.S. and Chinese government interest in AI as a strategic technology, and the U.S. commitment to protect sensitive tech and national security.