Three Silicon Valley engineers were arrested and charged with stealing trade secrets from Google and other U.S. technology firms and transferring sensitive data to unauthorized locations, including Iran, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Samaneh Ghandali, 41, Soroor Ghandali, 32, and Mohammadjavad Khosravi, also known as Mohammad Khosravi, 40, all of San Jose, were arrested Thursday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A federal grand jury indicted the engineers on charges of conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, theft and attempted theft of trade secrets, and obstruction of justice.

“We have enhanced safeguards to protect our confidential information and immediately alerted law enforcement after discovering this incident,” Google Spokesperson José Castañeda said in a statement to FOX Business. “Today’s indictments are an important step towards accountability and we’ll continue working to ensure our trade secrets remain secure.”

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The defendants gained employment at technology companies focused on mobile computer processors, according to the indictment unsealed Thursday.

According to prosecutors, sisters Samaneh Ghandali and Soroor Ghandali worked at Google before moving to another technology company identified as “Company 3,” headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Khosravi, who is married to Samaneh Ghandali, worked at a separate company identified in the indictment as Company 2, headquartered in San Diego.

The DOJ alleges the defendants used their positions to access confidential and sensitive information as part of a scheme to steal trade secrets.

The defendants “exfiltrated confidential and sensitive documents, including trade secrets related to processor security and cryptography and other technologies, from Google and other technology companies to unauthorized third-party and personal locations, including to work devices associated with each other’s employers, and to Iran.” 

“As alleged, the defendants exploited their positions to steal confidential trade secrets from their employers,” United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian said in a statement. “Our office will continue to lead the way in protecting American innovation and we will vigorously prosecute individuals who steal sensitive advanced technologies for improper gain or to benefit countries that wish us ill.”

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The indictment alleges that while working at Google, Samaneh Ghandali transferred hundreds of files, including company trade secrets, to a third-party communications platform. Soroor Ghandali is also accused of transferring Google trade secret files while employed at the company.

Prosecutors allege the defendants attempted to conceal their actions by submitting “false, signed affidavits to victim technology companies about the conduct and the stolen trade secrets, destroying exfiltrated files and other records from electronic devices, and concealing the methods of exfiltration to avoid detection by the victim technology companies.”

According to a Google spokesperson, the company discovered the alleged theft through routine security monitoring and referred the case to law enforcement after conducting its own internal investigation.

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Google said it maintains robust security measures to protect its confidential information and intellectual property, including limiting employee access to sensitive data, requiring device authentication before network access, and mandating two-factor authentication for work accounts.

Additionally, Google logs employee activity on its network, including file transfers to third-party platforms such as Telegram. The company began blocking uploads to Telegram from corporate laptops last year.

The indictment states that Google took “numerous measures to safeguard its confidential technology, information, and trade secrets.”

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Prosecutors said Google secured its physical space and restricted access to its buildings, along with its computer systems and network.

According to the indictment, Samaneh Ghandali is an Iranian national who became a U.S. citizen around 2018, Mohammadjavad Khosravi is an Iranian national who became a U.S. legal permanent resident around 2019, and Soroor Ghandali was in the United States on a nonimmigrant student visa.

In an environment where global markets have repeatedly faced geopolitical shocks, investors appear increasingly conditioned to look through conflicts unless they materially disrupt growth or inflation. Speaking to ET Now, Andrew Freris, CEO, Ecognosis Advisory argued that even rising tensions involving the United States and Iran may not have a lasting impact on markets, though crude oil remains a key variable.

Markets growing used to conflict
Freris suggested that markets have built resilience after years of geopolitical uncertainty.

“In the last three years the world has got quite accustomed to wars… I think the markets will simply ignore it. It is as simple as that.”

His remarks reflect a broader shift in investor psychology, where geopolitical events tend to cause short-term volatility but rarely derail broader trends unless they trigger supply shocks.

US data and Fed outlook
With weaker trade and jobless data and key releases like GDP and inflation readings on the horizon, investors are assessing what lies ahead for US monetary policy. Freris expects little clarity from the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge.

“The Personal Consumer Expenditure Index… has gone up down… with no specific trend… the Fed is not going to cut interest rates for several more months.”
He also downplayed concerns around the US trade deficit, describing it as more political than economic in nature, while emphasising that inflation and labour conditions are likely to offset each other.Oil dynamics remain balanced
On crude, Freris highlighted the role of strong US production alongside OPEC supply decisions in keeping prices contained despite geopolitical tensions.

“United States is very neck to neck with OPEC… I do not want to spend too much time on the price of oil as a particular input into global inflation.”

He added that while inflation remains above central bank targets, current levels are not alarming in a global context.

The takeaway
The broader message for investors is that while headlines around geopolitics and oil may create noise, the real drivers remain inflation, growth, and central bank policy. For now, expectations of steady US economic momentum and delayed rate cuts continue to underpin market sentiment.

Business Live went to visit Woolley Grange – an historic countryside retreat near Bath that is perfect for parents and children alike

A luxury Jacobean-era hotel with stylish furnishings, roaring fireplaces and modern spa that is entirely child friendly can’t possibly exist… or can it? Deep in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, some 20 minutes from Bath, lies Woolley Grange – a 17th-century manor house-turned-hotel that offers exactly that.

The mansion, which is a short walk from the picturesque town of Bradford-on-Avon, was built in 1665 for Francis Randolph’s family. It was later inhabited by the Baskervilles, with the last surviving member – the dog-loving Henry – becoming the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous book.

During the Second World War, the house was turned into an antenatal centre for mothers fleeing the London Blitz and in 1948 its coach house became one of the UK’s first ambulance stations after the NHS was founded.

Some 40 years later, in 1988, the property was snapped up by London accountant Nigel Chapman who wanted to transform it into a high-end hotel catering specifically to families after spotting a gap in the market.

Woolley Grange opened a year later and became the first in the Luxury Family Hotels collection (there are now five in the group across the South of England) and was an immediate hit.

Last year, the hotel underwent a major revamp, reopening its doors after a six-month-long renovation in October. The redesign was headed up by the team at StudioJill who have worked with the collection on Fowey Hall in Cornwall and Moonfleet Manor on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Business Live went to visit to check it out…

A family retreat

The hotel’s draw is the clever way it appeals to couples looking for a fancier getaway but also have children to entertain. The house itself is full of period charm – think wood-panelled walls, creaking staircases and plush furnishings – but without being stuffy. There are plenty of sticky-fingered children running about the place, but there is a relaxed and welcoming vibe throughout the venue and the refurbishment has elevated Woolley Grange to a chic retreat.

All 25 bedrooms and suites were redesigned during the renovation last year (although historic features were retained) and the results are impressive. The rooms at Woolley Grange vary in size, from luxurious doubles for couples to larger suites in its clutch of outbuildings which are ideal for bigger families with older children.

Business Live stayed in a characterful deluxe room overlooking the gardens. It had a beautiful king-sized bed with large wooden headboard – fit for royalty – along with thick drapes, a sofa and a spacious ensuite. Nice touches included the mini fridge, chocolate on arrival and luxurious bath robes and matching slippers.

When it comes to keeping the children occupied, there is plenty on offer. Alongside a fairy garden for smaller adventurers, an outdoor play area with a zipline, heated indoor swimming pool, cinema room and family library, the hotel has an Ofsted-registered kids club – The Four Bears Den – for children aged three months to eight years. All guests are given a complimentary two-hour session per night’s stay – a genius idea that means worn-out parents can kick back and relax while knowing little ones are entertained.

At weekends (and during the school holidays), Woolley Grange also offers family activities that parents can join in – if they so choose – such as a gardening club, cookery classes, and marshmallow toasting over a firepit. And for the older children, there is the Hen House – a dedicated space with a pool table and gaming consoles including a PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

Time to dine

Woolley Grange has three dining areas, all of which welcome children. There is the Orangery, an informal eating space; the traditional dining room; and a dog-friendly area where your pooch can even enjoy their own ‘Waggy Tails’ afternoon tea.

The main restaurant is relaxed in the daytime and the evening, and manages to feel grown-up while at the same time welcoming for children. The night we stayed there were several birthdays being celebrated, with everyone chiming in to sing “happy birthday stranger” each time, and then laughing in unison.

The hotel is currently in the process of building a kitchen garden which will grow produce for use in the restaurant. Its current menu is packed with classic family favourites – from fish and chips and ribeye steak to pan-fried sea trout and chicken souvlaki with Greek salad, which we tried (and highly recommend). The restaurant also has a decent wine list that also includes zero and low options.

Parents wanting to dine alone can utilise the hotel’s complimentary video monitors, while babysitting services can be arranged for an additional fee.

Relax and unwind

The hotel’s spa, which overlooks its walled garden, was also renovated during the refurbishment last year. The small, but intimate retreat has two new treatment rooms, outdoor hot tub and a new sauna next to the 12-metre indoor swimming pool and is a sanctuary for those looking to unwind.

There are adult-only swim times during the week (term-time only), but the spa – and pool – is completely family friendly with gentle treatments on offer especially for children as well as adults. The Elemis treatments available include a range of soothing massages – from hot stone to full body – as well as facials and nourishing scrubs.

Away from Woolley Grange, there is plenty to do in the pretty town of Bradford-on-Avon, which is just a short stroll downhill from the hotel. It has plenty of quaint tearooms, independent shops and cosy cafes, as well as high-end pubs and even its own cheese shop.

Overall, Woolley Grange is the perfect combination of luxury retreat and family-friendly bolthole. So whether you’re a worn-out parent or a energy-filled mini adventurer, we would recommend a visit.

Rates at Woolley Grange start from £250 a night on a B&B basis.