Intel vet pleads guilty to taking data before joining AMD
updated 08:35 pm EDT, Fri April 6, 2012
Intel worker had copied chip tech before switch
Intel closed a potentially dangerous chapter for itself Friday after a former worker pleaded guilty in a federal Boston court to what could have been a major leak of its information. Biswamohan Pani admitted to five instances of wire fraud for downloading confidential documents just before he left Intel in June 2008, Reuters said. He had not only been hired by AMD at the time but had even begun working there, suggesting he hoped to use the information either for help at AMD or to try and win favor with his new employers.
The tactic didn't work in Pani's favor. FBI investigators didn't find evidence that the worker had reached out to AMD to give information. AMD also hadn't been blamed by Intel in the case, and it fired Pani just months later.
Pani could face extensive prison time for the actions, which Intel estimates had information worth $200 million to $400 million. Each instance of fraud would be worth up to 20 years each. The plea will likely reduce the sentences, but could see him still face decades in prison.
Sentencing is due on August 8.
