A dual US-Chinese citizen pleaded guilty to a major US missile tech theft involving over 3,000 classified files. The stolen material included highly sensitive military sensor blueprints used in nuclear and missile defense systems.
Chenguang Gong, 59, worked as an engineer at a Los Angeles-based defense contractor for just four months in 2023. During that time, he copied over 3,600 files onto personal storage devices—without authorization.
Files Involved Nuclear and Hypersonic Defense Systems
According to the FBI, the stolen documents contained blueprints and designs for:
- Infrared sensors used in space to track nuclear, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles
- Aircraft countermeasure systems to jam heat-seeking missile tracking
- Readout integrated circuits (ROICs) designed for high-survivability sensor systems
- Mechanical assemblies for cooling and protecting the sensors in space
The FBI recovered over 1,800 documents from Gong’s home in Thousand Oaks, California. Many files were labeled “PROPRIETARY,” “EXPORT CONTROLLED,” and “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.”
A Decade of Espionage Activity
Authorities say Gong’s actions weren’t isolated. He had been working in sensitive US defense roles since 2014 and repeatedly traveled to China during that time.
From 2014 to 2020, Gong worked at multiple US companies developing military-grade sensor technologies. Meanwhile, he applied to China’s Talent Programs, which recruit experts to strengthen China’s military and tech sectors.
Gong’s proposals to Chinese institutions included:
- Night vision sensor technology
- Analog-to-digital converters to improve radar range
- Military-grade infrared imaging
- Sensor model numbers tied to US defense contractors
He even submitted a video pitch that included a sensitive model number from a top-tier defense and aerospace company he worked at between 2015 and 2019.
Arrest and Legal Action
Authorities arrested Gong and charged him with stealing trade secrets. He pleaded guilty in a Southern California federal court. The court released him on a $1.75 million bond. His sentencing will take place on September 29.
The stolen data was estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the FBI.
Conclusion
The US missile tech theft case involving Chenguang Gong highlights the growing risk of insider espionage targeting defense contractors. With blueprints for critical missile defense systems compromised, the incident underscores how intellectual property theft can directly endanger national security. Authorities say Gong’s plea is just one example of long-term efforts to funnel classified US defense data to China.
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