Observed Signal · Feb 20, 2026 · Criminal Indictment / Arrests · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Engineers Indicted for Stealing Google Secrets for Iran
A federal grand jury indicted three San Jose-based engineers — Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali and Mohammadjavad Khosravi — on charges of stealing trade secrets from Google and other technology firms and transferring sensitive files to Iran. Prosecutors allege the defendants exploited positions at companies that develop mobile processors and obtained hundreds of confidential files related to processor security and cryptography, including proprietary Snapdragon SoC material. Authorities say the trio routed files through a third-party communications platform, copied data to personal and work devices, photographed protected screens, and sought to conceal their actions after Google’s security flagged suspicious activity in August 2023. The defendants were arrested and face counts including conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, theft/attempted theft of trade secrets and obstruction of justice; penalties if convicted include lengthy prison terms and fines.
Involves alleged exfiltration of proprietary hardware security and cryptography information from a major technology company (Google) and another SoC developer; highlights insider-threat, data-exfiltration and IP-protection risks relevant to tech firms' security posture.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- A federal grand jury indicted three San Jose residents — Samaneh Ghandali, Soroor Ghandali and Mohammadjavad Khosravi — on charges related to stealing trade secrets and obstruction of justice.
- Prosecutors allege the defendants obtained hundreds of confidential files from Google and other technology firms, including materials related to processor security, cryptography and Snapdragon SoC hardware architecture.
- Authorities say the defendants transferred stolen files through a third-party communications platform, copied them to personal and work devices, photographed protected screens and sent data to Iran.
- Google detected the alleged theft via routine security monitoring, revoked access in August 2023, and referred the matter to law enforcement; FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office are prosecuting.
- If convicted, defendants face up to 10 years per trade-secret count, up to 20 years for obstruction of justice, and fines up to $250,000 per count.
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