Three Engineers Indicted for Stealing Google Trade Secrets
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: CNBC
- Indictment for Trade Secret Theft: Three Silicon Valley engineers have been indicted for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Google and other tech firms, with each facing up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines if convicted, highlighting the severe legal repercussions of corporate espionage.
- Exploitation of Positions: The defendants exploited their roles at leading mobile processor companies to obtain hundreds of confidential files, including critical information related to processor security and cryptography, indicating a significant threat to industry integrity and security.
- Concealment Tactics: The defendants allegedly routed stolen files through a third-party communication platform and took deliberate steps to conceal their identities, demonstrating a clear awareness of the legal consequences of their actions and complicating the prosecution's case.
- Google's Security Measures: Google detected the alleged theft through routine security monitoring and promptly enhanced its safeguards, including restricting employee access to sensitive information and implementing two-factor authentication, underscoring the company's commitment to protecting its trade secrets.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 255.630
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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