Industrial Espionage? Chinese businessman admits hacking into defense computers to steal blueprints of US military’s ultra-secretive stealth jets

Photo: FBI

Su Bin (pictured) has admitted plotting to hack into the computer networks of major U.S. defense contractors including Boeing Co

Chinese  Businessman Su Bin, 50 was arrested in British Columbia
The 50-year-old admitted conspiring with two others to obtain military dataSu, 50, began targeting US companies in 2008 to


 A Chinese businessman has admitted being involved in a plot to hack into the computer networks of major US defense contractors including Boeing Co.

Su Bin, arrested in British Columbia, Canada in 2014, faces up to five-years in jail for conspiring with two others in China to obtain sensitive military information and export it illegally.

   Photo: bbc
 Information about an F-22 fighter jet was targeted by the hackers
The men targeted information about fighter jets such as the F-22 and the F-35, as well as Boeing's C-17 military cargo aircraft program, according to court papers. 

Su's attorney, Robert Anello, said in an email: 'In resolving this matter Su Bin hopes to move on with his life.'

According to US government court filings, Su, 50, began working in 2008 to target US companies. 

In 2010, he emailed a file to an unnamed individual in China which contained information about Boeing's C-17 military transport aircraft.

Su also helped his co-conspirators decide which company employees to target, and translated documents from English to Chinese.

Arrested in Canada in 2014, Su ultimately consented to U.S. extradition, the Justice Department said.

Canadian media reported in January that two Chinese soldiers conspired with Su to obtain blueprints for F-35s and other jets.

The Chinese government has repeatedly denied any involvement in hacking.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about the case at a daily news briefing in Beijing, said she was aware of the recent developments.

THE US MILITARY JETS TARGETED IN HACKING CONSPIRACY

F-22 Raptor: 

A fifth-generation stealth fighter jet designed for the US Air Force, entering service in 2005.

The $150million aircraft was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar and was developed primarily as an 'air superiority fighter'. 

With a 44ft wingspan and top speed of 1,500mph, it has additional capabilities including ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. 

Photo: Reuters

The men targeted information about fighter jets such as the F-22 (file picture), according to court papers

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III:

A large military transport aircraft also developed for the US Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s. Its main role is to perform strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world. it is also used for medical evacuation and airdrop duties.

The $218million aircraft can carry 102 paratroopers or 134 troops and has a wingspan of 169.8ft.

Photo: AP

Officials said they also targeted data about Boeing's C-17 military cargo aircraft program. A C-17 is pictured above

 F-35 Lightning II:

Hailed as the most expensive weapon in history, the controversial  stealth fighter jet is undergoing rigorous testing at California's Edwards Air Force Base.But the production of the latest breed of stealth jet – one of the most highly anticipated advancements in military history – has had more than its fair share of problems.

Despite costing the US military more than $350billion, the jet has so far failed to live up to expectations.

The cutting-edge F-35, which is meant to be the most sophisticated jet ever, was embarrassingly outperformed by a 40-year-old F-16 jet in a dogfight in July.

Photo: AP

There were reports in January that two Chinese soldiers conspired with Su to obtain blueprints for F-35s (file picture) and other jets

And earlier this month, it emerged the jet's complex radar system has a problem. 

A series of setbacks has delayed production by up to eight years and put it $263billion over budget, so far.

The spiralling costs are due to a number of factors, including engine problems that caused one jet to burst into flames during take-off last May.

'The Chinese government consistently attaches importance to protecting the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens overseas. We will pay close attention to this case,' she said.

Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher said the company 'fully cooperated with the authorities throughout this process and we welcome this development.'

Sentencing is scheduled for July 13 before a Los Angeles federal judge.

Courtesy: mail
Credit: fbi.gov