A tech worker suspected of stealing trade secrets was arrested Thursday at San Francisco International Airport as he prepared to board a flight for China, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag.
Jing Zeng, a 42-year-old resident of San Ramon, allegedly downloaded more than 100 files containing proprietary information from a confidential database after learning that his employment with Machine Zone, Inc., would be terminated, according Abraham Simmons, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Machine Zone, Inc., produces “Game of War: Fire Age” – an online video game.
Zeng allegedly downloaded proprietary information using his company computer, transferred it to a storage device, then formatted the computer’s hard drive and returned it to his employer, according to Simmons.
The federal complaint against Zeng was unsealed at a bail hearing in San Francisco today. He was released on $100,000 bail but is being electronically monitored, according to Simmons.
He faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. The court may also order Zeng to pay restitution, Simmons said.
Bay City News