Hong Kong man sentenced for attempting to buy sensitive technology for China
SEATTLE – A Chinese citizen who traveled to Seattle to illegally procure export restricted technology was sentenced Monday to two years in prison for violating the Arms Control Export Act, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
See Kee Chin, aka Alfred Chin, 56, of Hong Kong, was arrested in February after he handed over an $85,000 payment to undercover HSI special agents and attempted to pick up 10 accelerometers. Court records state Chin had indicated he planned to smuggle the parts out of the country in his suitcase. He previously discussed hiding the items in children’s toys.
“The accelerometers he attempted to purchase are specialized pieces of equipment designed to be used in satellites,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle. “This caught the attention of HSI special agents, whose job it is to keep restricted technology out of the hands of our nation’s enemies. HSI is committed to thwarting clandestine attempts to illegally export sensitive technology from the U.S.”
Chin had made inquiries to a U.S. company through a Canadian intermediary about purchasing the accelerometers used in inertial navigation systems for spacecraft. Over the course of the investigation, HSI special agents learned Chin intended to pick up the equipment himself and smuggle them out of the United States.
“We will hold to account those who circumvent requirements designed to protect our national security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “This defendant attempted to smuggle restricted equipment out of the United States knowing it was illegal to do so, and he admits he was working for others in China. Ensuring our technology does not fall into the wrong hands remains a top priority.”
The U.S. Munitions List, primarily administered by the State Department as part of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, consists of categories of defense articles and services that cannot be exported without a license issued by the department. The accelerometers involved in this case are listed on the U.S. Munitions List and therefore require an export license.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington prosecuted the case.
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