US scientist pleads guilty to lying about China contact

25/1/2020 12:39

        A scientist who once worked at a U.S. laboratory in New Mexico has pleaded guilty to lying about his involvement with a Chinese government technology program.
        
        Turab Lookman, 67, entered his plea Friday during a hearing in Albuquerque after reaching an agreement with prosecutors. He is awaiting sentencing, which could include up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
        
        Lookman was initially indicted on three counts of making false statements. His attorney had said previously that prosecutors failed to prove his client had accessed or downloaded any high-level security information before he was fired from his job at the lab.
        
        Authorities said Lookman came under scrutiny after he told a co-worker he had citizenship in four different countries — including India, where he was born. He also had been asked in a security-clearance questionnaire and later by federal officials if any foreign nationals had offered him a job or if he had applied for one. He falsely answered to all questions that he had not, authorities said.