New Delhi: A massive tech scandal just hit Silicon Valley right when we thought data security was getting better. Three engineers were arrested by the FBI for allegedly stealing top secret processor designs from Google and other firms. The accused are two sisters Samaneh Ghandali and Soroor Ghandali along with Samaneh’s husband Mohammadjavad Khosravi. They all lived in San Jose and worked deep inside the mobile processor divisions.
The trio appeared in federal court today on February 20, 2026. The indictment lays out a crazy plot where they secretly moved confidential documents about cryptography to unapproved platforms. Some of this sensitive data even made its way to Iran.
News Alert: Today, the #FBI arrested three Silicon Valley engineers who are facing charges of conspiring to commit trade secret theft from Google and other leading technology companies, theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice. Samaneh Ghandali, 41,… pic.twitter.com/0r1HqkxLUE
— FBI SanFrancisco (@FBISanFrancisco) February 20, 2026
Smuggling out the Silicon Valley secrets
While at Google, the sisters allegedly set up private communication channels using their own names. They pumped hundreds of files into these spaces. Google actually caught Samaneh in August 2023 and locked her out. She then signed a fake affidavit swearing she did not share anything. After that things got desperate. The couple started searching how long phone companies keep text messages for court. They even resorted to taking manual photos of computer screens to avoid software alarms.
The authorities are taking this very seriously. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian stated “As alleged, the defendants exploited their positions to steal confidential trade secrets from their employers. Our office will continue to lead the way in protecting American innovation and we will vigorously prosecute individuals who steal sensitive advanced technologies for improper gain or to benefit countries that wish us ill”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani pointed out how sneaky the operation was. He noted “The alleged actions outlined in this indictment reflect a calculated betrayal of trust by individuals accused of stealing trade secrets from the very tech companies that employed them. According to the allegations, the method in which confidential data was transferred by the defendants involved deliberate steps to evade detection and conceal their identities”
What happens next
The engineers face heavy penalties if found guilty. Their main federal charges include
- Conspiracy to commit trade secret theft
- Theft and attempted theft of trade secrets
- Obstruction of justice
Virmani also added “Protecting Silicon Valley innovation and defending the groundbreaking technologies that drive our economy and national security is a top priority for the FBI. We will continue to work with our private sector partners to hold accountable anyone who seeks to unlawfully exploit American ingenuity” Each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison for the obstruction count alone.