US engineer faces trial over US military secrets for China

US engineer faces trial over US military secrets for China

www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOS ANGELES - A Chinese-born engineer goes on trial in California on Tuesday charged with smuggling sensitive technology about US Navy submarines to China.

Chi Mak, 66, an engineer working for a US company with several navy contracts, is accused of trying to export intelligence about silent submarines in October 2005 in a plot involving four members of his family.

Mak, who is also charged with acting as an agent of China in the United States and with making false statements, was arrested after agents swooped down on two relatives at Los Angeles International Airport as they prepared to board a flight to Hong Kong.

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I am a bit surprised that this is not an espionage trial.

Some information that were passed to unauthorized recepient could always endanger U.S.

It is interesting to note the quote from the news:
"shadowy world of intrigue, revealing Chinese intelligence code names such as Red Flower, Winter Chrysanthemum and Autumn Orchid"



www.abs-cbnnews.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

I wonder if there is any evidence to suggest that Mak's was living above his means. If this guy was leaking sensitive data to the Chinese for financial gain it is quite likely that he used the money he earned to buy luxury items that a person on his income couldn't afford.

The guy could have been blackmailed by Chinese intelligence after being caught being unfaithful or something along those lines. Even thou it wont be an espionage trial I doubt that the jury will see it that way.