Three Silicon Valley Engineers Indicted on Charges of Stealing Google Trade Secrets and Transferring Them to Iran

Published February 22, 2025

A federal grand jury has indicted three engineers for stealing hundreds of confidential files from Google and other tech giants, then smuggling the sensitive data to Iran.

Three engineers based in Silicon Valley have been indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on multiple federal charges, accused of stealing hundreds of confidential trade-secret files from Google and other leading technology firms and funneling the information to Iran, U.S. authorities announced.

The indictment unsealed on Feb. 19, 2026, in the Northern District of California targets:

• Samaneh Ghandali, 41, a former Google engineer and U.S. citizen

• Soroor Ghandali, 32, Samaneh’s sister and Iranian national on a student visa

• Mohammadjavad Khosravi, 40, Samaneh’s husband and a U.S. lawful permanent resident

All three defendants reside in San Jose, California and appeared before federal court following their arrest.

Allegations of Theft and Transfer

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment, the trio exploited insider access at major technology companies — including Google and firms developing mobile computer processors — to obtain hundreds of files containing trade secrets related to processor security, cryptography, and hardware architecture. They allegedly transferred these files to unauthorized third-party communications channels, saved them to personal devices, and ultimately sent or made them accessible outside the United States, including to locations linked to Iran.

Prosecutors allege the defendants also took steps to conceal their actions by:

• Using third-party platforms like encrypted messaging channels named after the defendants to route files

• Copying files onto each other’s work and personal devices

• Destroying files and attempting to remove evidence from electronic devices

• Providing false signed affidavits to victim companies about their activities

In one striking allegation, Samaneh Ghandali is accused of photographing her husband’s work computer screen containing confidential information just before traveling to Iran in December 2023. Devices linked to them accessed those images and sensitive data while abroad.

Google’s Detection and Law Enforcement Response

Internal security systems at Google reportedly detected suspicious file access and transfers in August 2023, prompting the company to revoke Samaneh Ghandali’s access and alert law enforcement. Prosecutors say the defendants later searched online for methods to delete communications and explore how long carriers retain message records, further fueling the investigation.

Google spokesperson José Castañeda stated that the company has enhanced safeguards to protect confidential information and immediately notified authorities upon identifying the breach.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani said the methods used by the suspects reflected “a calculated betrayal of trust” and underlined the importance of safeguarding U.S. technological innovation.

Charges and Potential Penalties

The three face a series of serious federal charges, including:

• Conspiracy to commit trade secret theft

• Theft and attempted theft of trade secrets

• Obstruction of justice

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 10 years in prison for each count of trade secret theft and up to 20 years for obstruction of justice, along with fines of up to $250,000 per count.

National Security and Broader Concerns

Officials say the case highlights serious national security concerns, particularly in Silicon Valley where cutting-edge technologies with both commercial and defense applications are developed. Prosecutors emphasize they will continue to pursue those who attempt to steal and misuse sensitive U.S. technology for improper gain or to benefit adversarial foreign entities.

The indictment comes amid broader scrutiny of insider threats and international espionage targeting U.S. corporations and research institutions.

 Implications

1. National Security Risks

The alleged theft of Google trade secrets and their transfer to Iran represents a serious national security concern. Advanced processor architectures, cryptography designs, and software algorithms can have dual-use applications, meaning they could be applied both commercially and militarily.

• If stolen designs are used in defense systems, drones, or encryption-breaking technologies, it could weaken U.S. technological superiority.

• Even a small leak of highly specialized data can accelerate foreign research and development in sensitive areas.

2. Threat to U.S. Tech Competitiveness

Silicon Valley companies rely on confidential intellectual property (IP) to maintain a global edge. The alleged actions of these engineers highlight how insider threats can bypass standard cybersecurity defenses:

• Companies may face higher costs for monitoring, auditing, and securing sensitive projects.

• Competitors abroad could gain a shortcut to innovation without investing in R&D.

• Legal actions and regulatory scrutiny may increase, affecting hiring, visas, and partnerships, particularly with employees from countries flagged for potential espionage.

3. Legal and Corporate Implications

The case underscores strict U.S. trade secret laws:

• Trade secret theft can trigger severe federal penalties — imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of stolen IP.

• Companies may strengthen employee vetting, background checks, and device monitoring.

• Firms may adopt stricter data classification and access controls, potentially slowing collaboration or increasing operational friction.

4. International Relations

The involvement of Iran adds a geopolitical dimension:

• It reinforces U.S. concerns about state-sponsored cyber and corporate espionage.

• It could strain diplomatic or trade discussions with countries accused of exploiting U.S. talent and technology.

• It may influence policies regarding H‑1B visas, travel restrictions, or export controls on technology with dual-use potential.

5. Public and Investor Confidence

Tech breaches like this can affect public perception and investor trust:

• Users and corporate clients may worry about the security of their data or products.

• Investors may demand tighter oversight and risk management practices in companies handling sensitive technology.

6. Broader Lessons for Silicon Valley

This case is a reminder that physical and digital access controls are critical, and that even trusted employees can pose a risk if motivated by financial, ideological, or familial ties abroad.

• Companies may need to combine cybersecurity tools with behavioral monitoring.

• Legal teams will likely update NDAs and IP contracts to deter insider threats.

 Overall Takeaway:

The indictment of three Silicon Valley engineers for allegedly stealing Google trade secrets and funneling them to Iran underscores the serious risks of insider threats in today’s high-tech industries. Beyond legal ramifications for the individuals involved, the case has far-reaching implications for national security, corporate competitiveness, and international relations.

It highlights how even highly trusted employees can compromise sensitive technology, potentially giving foreign adversaries access to innovations with both commercial and military applications. Companies in Silicon Valley and beyond may now face increased pressure to strengthen cybersecurity, employee oversight, and intellectual property protections.

For the U.S., this incident serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of technology, espionage, and geopolitics, emphasizing that safeguarding innovation is as much about human vigilance as it is about digital defenses.

Ultimately, the outcome of this case will not only affect the defendants but could reshape policies on trade-secret security, international hiring, and technology transfer safeguards across the tech sector.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Iranian Spies Busted: Three Silicon Valley Engineers Charged with Stealing Google Trade Secrets and Funneling Data to Tehran

IRAN INTERNATIONAL – Three Iranians in Silicon Valley face US trade secrets charges

FOX NEWS – Three engineers charged with allegedly stealing Google trade secrets and sending them to Iran