Huawei Faces Criminal Trial Over Alleged Theft of Fujitsu Trade Secrets

During opening statements, a U.S. government attorney asserted that Huawei engaged in criminal conduct to achieve “growth at any cost,” while the company’s counsel argued that an employee who photographed Fujitsu networking equipment after hours at a 2004 trade show was later disciplined for that “foolish act.”

Brian Heberlig of Steptoe & Associates noted in his opening statement that Meng Wanzhou’s 2021 admission to violating U.S. sanctions on Iran should not be interpreted as a confession; she did not acknowledge deliberately deceiving officials or banks, nor did she admit that anyone else at Huawei acted criminally.

These comments answered the prosecution’s opening remarks, which presented Meng’s sworn testimony as pivotal evidence that Huawei attained its status as a global telecom leader through alleged theft, deception, and concealment.

Justice Department attorney Taylor Stout told jurors that a “culture of crime” within Huawei had persisted for more than two decades, originating with senior leadership, including founder Ren Zhengfei and his daughter Meng.

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