Published on Mar. 1, 2026
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Federal prosecutors have indicted three Silicon Valley-based Iranian engineers on charges of stealing confidential information from Google and other major technology companies and transmitting sensitive data to Iran. The defendants, Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi, are accused of leveraging their positions at prominent tech firms to obtain hundreds of confidential files, including materials related to processor security and cryptography. The trio allegedly routed the stolen data through a third-party communications platform before sending it to Iran.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of corporate espionage and the theft of trade secrets, especially from major tech companies that are at the forefront of sensitive research and development. The alleged actions of the defendants could pose a national security risk if the stolen data was used to advance Iran’s technological capabilities.
The details
According to prosecutors, the three defendants worked at various Silicon Valley tech firms, including Google, and are accused of stealing hundreds of confidential files containing sensitive information about processor security and cryptography. They allegedly transferred the data to Iran using a third-party communications platform. After Google detected the theft, the defendants allegedly attempted to cover their tracks by deleting communications and photographing computer screens to circumvent digital monitoring.
In August 2023, Google revoked Samaneh Ghandali’s access to company resources after suspicious activity was detected.In December 2023, Samaneh Ghandali allegedly took approximately 24 photographs of Khosravi’s work computer screen containing trade secrets before the couple traveled to Iran.
The players
Samaneh Ghandali
A 41-year-old Iranian national who previously worked at Google and is accused of stealing trade secrets.
Soroor Ghandali
A 32-year-old Iranian national and Samaneh’s sister, who also previously worked at Google.
Mohammadjavad Khosravi
A 40-year-old Iranian national who is married to Samaneh Ghandali and worked at a separate tech company.
The technology company that detected the alleged theft of trade secrets and reported the incident to law enforcement.
Company 2
A tech company that develops system-on-chip platforms used in smartphones and other mobile devices, where Khosravi was employed.
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What they’re saying
“We have enhanced safeguards to protect our confidential information and immediately alerted law enforcement after discovering this incident.”
— José Castañeda, Google spokesman (CNBC)
“The method in which confidential data was transferred by the defendants involved deliberate steps to evade detection and conceal their identities.”
— Sanjay Virmani, FBI Special Agent in Charge (CNBC)
What’s next
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each trade secret charge and up to 20 years for obstruction of justice, as well as fines of up to $250,000 per count.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing threat of corporate espionage and the importance of robust security measures to protect sensitive intellectual property, especially in the tech industry. It also underscores the need for vigilance against attempts to steal trade secrets and transmit them to foreign adversaries.