US: NASA Chinese Researcher Arrested: Cheng Zhengdong (53)
US Department of Justice:
On August 24, I arrested Cheng Zhengdong, 53, a University of Texas employee studying at NASA.
Cheng Zhengdong said he had “improperly obtained funds by hiding it while having a close relationship with China.”
The suspect is heading a research project team for NASA at Texas A & M University.
Chen:
Violation of contract terms,
Over the years,
Universities including Guangdong University of Technology,
At least one Chinese company,
He was hiding that had a relationship.Sputnik Japan
https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/jp.sputniknews.com/amp/world/202008257719312/
NASA Researcher Arrested for False Statements and Wire Fraud in Relation to China’s Talents Program
Zhengdong Cheng, 53
A criminal complaint has been unsealed today, charging Zhengdong Cheng, 53, of College Station, Texas, for conspiracy, making false statements and wire fraud.
Texas A&M University (TAMU) Professor
Zhengdong Cheng is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon today at 10 a.m. in Houston, Texas. Authorities took him into custody Sunday, Aug. 23.
a team conducting research for NASA
Cheng allegedly led a team conducting research for NASA. According to the criminal complaint, for several years he willfully took steps to obscure his affiliations and collaboration with a Chinese University and at least one Chinese-owned company.
The terms of Cheng’s grant prohibited
participation,
collaboration or
coordination with China,
any Chinese-owned company or
any Chinese University,
according to the charges.
“Once again, we have witnessed the criminal consequences that can arise from undisclosed participation in the Chinese government’s talent program,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.
Professor Cheng allegedly made false statements to his university and to NASA regarding his affiliations with the Chinese government.
The Department of Justice will continue seeking to bring participation in these talent programs to light and to expose the exploitation of our nation and our prized research institutions.
“China is building an economy and academic institutions with bricks stolen from others all around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas.
“While 1.4 million foreign researchers and academics are here in the U.S. for the right reasons, the Chinese Talents Program exploits our open and free universities. These conflicts must be disclosed, and we will hold those accountable when such conflict violates the law.”
OPA | Department of Justice
Texas A&M professor arrested, accused of lying about Chinese affiliations while working with NASA | News | thebatt.com