Chinese-American engineer charged with stealing US$120 million worth of trade secrets
- You Xiaorong, 56, of Lansing, Michigan indicted for theft of formulations for bisphenol-A-free coatings used in food, drinks cans
- Chinese national Liu Xiangchen, 61, and relative named as co-conspirators
A Chinese-born American engineer has been charged in the United States with trying to steal trade secrets worth an estimated US$120 million relating to the manufacture of food and drinks cans with the aim of setting up a rival venture in China through a Beijing-backed programme that is coming under increased scrutiny.
You Xiaorong, 56, of Lansing, Michigan, was charged with conspiracy to steal secrets related to formulations for bisphenol-A-free (BPA-free) coatings, according to a document released by the US Department of Justice. Scientists have shown BPA to be potentially harmful to people’s health.
Chinese national Liu Xiangchen, 61, and an unnamed relative of his were charged with conspiring with You to steal the formula and take it to China.
Liu wanted the technology for his company, which was planning to develop BPA-free packing, according to the charge document.
You is accused of using her position while working for a company in Atlanta, Georgia and another in Tennessee to steal the secrets, which are thought to have cost almost US$120 million to develop. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company was Coca-Cola.
From 2012 to 2017, You was employed as principal engineer for global research by the company in Atlanta, which had agreements with other firms to conduct research and development, testing, analysis and review of BPA-free technologies.