SEATTLE, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A man from Washington state is charged with trying to smuggle sensitive military technology to China following a sting operation, the FBI said.
Lian Yang, 46, appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle to face charges for violating the Arms Export Control Act after his arrest Friday for allegedly trying to sell military secrets to Beijing.
The FBI said it had information to suggest Yang was looking for ways to purchase and smuggle sensitive technology from the United States earlier this year. He was arrested last week after meeting with undercover officers to allegedly exchange cash for the restricted items.
The FBI accuses Yang of trying to buy and export 300 radiation-hardened, programmable semiconductor devices used in satellites in violation of export restrictions.
"The Arms Export Control Act is a critical safeguard for our nation," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington Jenny Durkan in a statement. "Our national security and economic competitiveness rely on vigorous protection of our sensitive technologies."
The FBI alleges that Yang "contemplated" setting up a shell company to facilitate the sale.
He faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the charges.
