Huawei Faces US Trial Over Sanctions and Trade Secrets

Jury selection began Tuesday in Brooklyn, New York, for the criminal trial of Huawei Technologies, the Chinese telecommunications equipment giant accused of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran and stealing trade secrets from American companies. Prosecutors allege that Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer, concealed its control over the communications company Skycom, which it used to conduct business in Iran. The government contends that Skycom assisted Iran's government in domestic surveillance, including during 2009 protests in Tehran. In addition to sanctions violations, Huawei faces charges for a purported 20-year scheme, from 2000 to 2020, to steal trade secrets from U.S. tech firms. These alleged stolen materials included copyrighted source code and user manuals for various technologies. Prosecutors stated they will not proceed with two of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act charges to streamline the proceedings, which are expected to last approximately three months. Huawei has pleaded not guilty to the 14 criminal charges, which also include racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the U.S.