CYBER-STING NETS CHINESE NATIONAL IN ATTEMPT TO EXPORT SENSITIVE DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY
Defendant Pleads Guilty After Evidence Reveals that He Attempted to Enlist Undercover Agents in Illegal Export Deal Involving Weapons-Grade Carbon Fiber
Lisong Ma, a citizen of China, pled guilty to violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act by attempting to export weapons-grade carbon fiber from the United States to China. Ma attempted to close a deal to acquire and export the materials that have defense applications.
During the investigation, federal agents tasked with protecting sensitive technology maintained a covert cyber-presence on web sites related to the brokering, purchase and sale of controlled commodities. In February 2013, the defendant, using the name “Ma Li,” e-mailed an undercover agent and indicated that he was interested in acquiring several different types of high-grade carbon fiber. Then, through various online communications, the defendant attempted to negotiate the purchase of five tons of carbon fiber. Based on a review of Internet Protocol log-in information, investigators discovered that the defendant was communicating from the People’s Republic of China
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
To learn more about the investigation: Cyber- Sting
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