SAN JOSE, Calif. (VINnews) — Three Silicon Valley engineers have been indicted on federal charges alleging they conspired to steal trade secrets from major technology companies and transferred sensitive data to unauthorized locations, including Iran, prosecutors said Thursday.

A federal grand jury in the Northern District of California charged Samaneh Ghandali, 41; Mohammadjavad Khosravi, 40, also known as Mohammad Khosravi; and Soroor Ghandali, 32, all of San Jose, with conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice. The defendants were arrested Thursday and made initial appearances in federal court in San Jose.

According to the indictment, the three gained access to confidential information through their employment at leading technology firms working on mobile computer processors. Prosecutors allege that Samaneh and Soroor Ghandali, who are sisters, worked at Google before moving to another tech company, while Khosravi worked at a separate firm.

Authorities say the defendants copied sensitive materials — including trade secrets related to processor security, cryptography and other advanced technologies — and transferred the files to personal devices, third-party platforms and work devices linked to each other’s employers. Some data was allegedly accessed while the defendants were in Iran.

Prosecutors also allege the defendants attempted to conceal their actions by submitting false affidavits to employers, deleting files and manually photographing confidential information displayed on computer screens. In one instance, investigators say Samaneh Ghandali used her phone to capture images of trade secret information shortly before traveling to Iran in late 2023.

U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian said his office would “vigorously prosecute individuals who steal sensitive advanced technologies for improper gain or to benefit countries that wish us ill.”

Sanjay Virmani, the FBI’s special agent in charge in the region, said the case reflects a “calculated betrayal of trust” and emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting innovation and national security.

The defendants are scheduled to return to court Friday for identification of counsel. If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in prison on the trade secret counts and up to 20 years on the obstruction charge.

An indictment contains allegations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.