SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — Federal authorities have arrested three Silicon Valley engineers on charges of stealing trade secrets from Google and other major technology firms and transferring sensitive data to Iran, prosecutors said. A federal grand jury indicted Samaneh Ghandali, 41; her sister, Soroor Ghandali, 32; and Mohammadjavad Khosravi, 40, on charges that include conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice. All three live in San Jose and made their initial court appearances on Thursday in federal district court.
Prosecutors say the defendants used their jobs at leading tech companies to access confidential information tied to advanced mobile processor technology.
According to the indictment, Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali worked at Google before moving to another technology firm identified in court records as Company 3. Khosravi, who is married to Samaneh Ghandali, worked at a separate semiconductor company identified as Company 2.
Authorities allege the trio accessed hundreds of confidential files, including trade secrets related to processor security and cryptography. Prosecutors say the defendants transferred the files to a third-party communications platform. They allegedly routed the documents to channels labeled with each of their first names. Investigators say the group later copied the files to personal devices and to each other’s work computers. Some of the data allegedly traveled to Iran.
The indictment states that the stolen materials included proprietary information tied to system-on-chip platforms, commonly known as SoCs. These chips power smartphones and other mobile devices. Prosecutors say the trade secrets had significant economic value because competitors could not easily obtain them.
Authorities say the defendants took steps to conceal their actions. After Google’s internal security systems flagged unusual activity in August 2023, the company revoked Samaneh Ghandali’s access to corporate resources. Prosecutors allege she signed an affidavit claiming she had not shared confidential information outside the company. At the same time, investigators say she and Khosravi searched online for ways to delete communications and research how long mobile carriers retain message records.
The indictment also claims the couple photographed hundreds of computer screens displaying confidential information. Prosecutors say they used this method to bypass digital monitoring systems.
On the night before Samaneh Ghandali and Khosravi traveled to Iran in December 2023, she allegedly photographed about 24 images of Khosravi’s work computer screen. Those images reportedly showed trade secrets linked to semiconductor technology. While in Iran, a device associated with Samaneh Ghandali accessed the photographs, according to prosecutors. Authorities say Khosravi also accessed additional proprietary information during the trip.
The U.S. attorney’s office for the Northern District of California is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian said the defendants exploited their positions to steal advanced technology.
“Our office will continue to protect American innovation,” Missakian said in a statement.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani said the alleged conduct reflected a “calculated betrayal of trust.”
The defendants are Iranian nationals, according to court documents. Soroor Ghandali was in the United States on a student visa. Samaneh Ghandali later became a U.S. citizen. Khosravi became a lawful permanent resident. Prosecutors said Khosravi previously served in the Iranian army.
The FBI launched the investigation after Google referred the matter to law enforcement. In a statement, Google said it detected the alleged theft through routine security monitoring. The company said it restricts employee access to sensitive data and uses safeguards such as two-factor authentication and file transfer logging to protect trade secrets.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison for each trade secret charge. The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Each count also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000. An indictment contains allegations. The defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until a court proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
