The NASA Office of the Inspector General and the FBI have uncovered an alleged phishing campaign that allowed a Chinese citizen to access sensitive software related to aerospace design and armament development over a four-year period.
The accused individual, Song Wu, is currently at large and wanted under an active federal arrest warrant.
Impersonation of industry experts
The investigation indicates that the alleged activity took place between 2017 and 2021.
During this time, Song Wu is said to have contacted dozens of professionals across the aerospace sector.
His targets included personnel from NASA, the Air Force, the Navy, the Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as various universities and private corporations.
Investigators maintain that the suspect posed as American engineers and academics to deceive researchers and employees at key institutions.
To facilitate this, he allegedly created fraudulent email accounts to impersonate recognized experts in the field of aerospace engineering.
The primary objective was to secure restricted software and its source code.
In many instances, victims reportedly shared critical information under the belief that they were collaborating with legitimate colleagues, unaware that such actions could violate United States export controls.
Regulatory violations and criminal charges
The existing regulatory framework prohibits the transfer of specific technologies to foreign nations for reasons of national security.
The joint investigation concluded that the cybercriminal was specifically seeking modeling tools used in the design of aircraft and military systems.
Song Wu has been charged with 14 counts of wire fraud and another 14 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while a conviction for aggravated identity theft would add an additional two-year penalty.
At present, the accused remains a fugitive as authorities maintain the federal arrest warrant.
Protecting strategic technology
Special agent in charge of the CCD, Ryan Pittman, noted that cases like this highlight the vital importance of complying with export controls and remaining vigilant during routine email exchanges.
Pittman emphasized that the role of the NASA Office of Inspector General is to protect the agency’s cutting-edge technology and unmask those attempting to steal it.
The NASA Office of Inspector General reported that it has opened more than 80 investigations related to export control violations over the last decade.
The economic impact attributed to these cases exceeds 5.8 million dollars, a figure that reflects the significant scale of efforts required to protect technology considered strategic to national interests.
