Mo Hailong, also known as Robert Mo, 46, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal trade secrets from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto, as announced by U.S. officials. The admission was made before U.S. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose in the Southern District of Iowa.
According to court documents, Hailong confessed to being part of a long-term scheme aimed at pilfering valuable trade secrets. This conspiracy specifically targeted inbred corn seeds, the parent seeds crucial for developing hybrid varieties, from DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto. Hailong admitted to participating in the theft of these seeds directly from fields located in the Southern District of Iowa. The objective was to illegally transport these proprietary seeds to China. These stolen inbred seeds represent significant intellectual property for both DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto, highlighting the severe implications of agricultural espionage.
At the time of the conspiracy, Hailong held a prominent position as the director of international business at Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Company. This Chinese conglomerate has a corn seed subsidiary, Kings Nower Seed, further connecting Hailong’s actions to corporate interests. Hailong, a Chinese national, had obtained lawful permanent residency in the United States through an H-1B visa, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Sentencing for Hailong is scheduled for a later date in Des Moines, Iowa. The charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, underscoring the seriousness of the offense. However, as part of the plea agreement, the government has agreed to recommend a prison sentence not exceeding five years.
The investigation into Hailong’s activities began when DuPont Pioneer’s security personnel detected suspicious activities, prompting them to alert the FBI. Both DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto provided full cooperation throughout the ensuing investigation, demonstrating the commitment of these companies to protecting their research and development. The FBI led the investigation, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa and the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
