U.S. sanctions five Chinese entities linked to ex-Google engineer

The U.S. State Department announced sanctions on October 19 against five Chinese entities it linked to former Google engineer Linwei Ding and his startup, Zhisuan, following Ding’s conviction for stealing Google trade secrets. The designations target Zhisuan, venture firm MiraclePlus and three affiliated entities, according to the department and the reports describing the sanctions. U.S. authorities said the entities benefited from or supported the theft of confidential technology. The measures block the targeted companies’ U.S.-based property and restrict certain financial dealings with them, according to reporting on the designations. The sanctions include limited licenses allowing some existing arrangements to be wound down, one report said. The most contested issue is MiraclePlus’s connection to Zhisuan. The State Department said the firm provided financial support to the startup. Prosecutors reportedly alleged that MiraclePlus invested $700,000 in exchange for a 7% stake. MiraclePlus denied investing in Zhisuan and said it had received no prior communication about the sanctions. The firm said it was discussing the matter with relevant parties and seeking to have the...