Rochester, N.Y. — A federal jury has convicted Ji Wang, 63, of Painted Post, New York, on multiple counts of economic espionage and theft of trade secrets related to sensitive U.S. defense technology. Wang was found guilty of two counts of economic espionage, one count of theft of trade secrets, one count of attempted economic espionage, and one count of attempted theft of trade secrets.
According to Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg and U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York, Wang stole nonpublic data developed under a $11.4 million DARPA-funded research project while employed at Corning Incorporated. The project sought to develop high-powered optical fibers for laser weapons capable of intercepting drones and missiles.
“Yesterday, a federal jury found Wang guilty of stealing sensitive defense research from his employer and attempting to use it to pursue personal profit at the expense of our national security,” Eisenberg said.
Evidence showed that in July 2016, Wang stole hundreds of files containing proprietary manufacturing data. Ten days earlier, he had applied for China’s Thousand Talents Plan Award, an initiative offering large financial incentives for expatriates to return to China with advanced research. Two months after the theft, he was awarded the grant.
From 2014 to 2017, Wang negotiated with Chinese government entities to establish a specialty fiber company using the stolen data, seeking tens of millions in state investment. His business plans promoted the military potential of the fibers, claiming they could be installed on tanks and be “key to deciding victory or defeat.” Law enforcement intervened before the plan could be realized.
“Mr. Wang stole sensitive technology that Corning, Inc. and DARPA spent millions developing so he could line his own pockets and help our adversaries undermine U.S. national security,” said FBI Counterintelligence Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Economic espionage carries a maximum penalty of 15 years, and theft of trade secrets carries 10 years.
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