Texas A&M professor accused of lying about Chinese affiliation while working with NASA

[F-22Raptor]

Federal authorities have lodged multiple charges against a Texas A&M University professor who is accused of lying about his connections to China while conducting research for NASA.

Investigators say Zhengdong Cheng, 53, led a research team where “he willfully took steps to obscure his affiliations and collaboration with a Chinese University and at least one Chinese-owned company,” according to the Department of Justice.

Cheng and Texas A&M University received funds for a grant — which prohibited any participation with China, Chinese owned companies or Chinese universities — based on the false information provided to the university and to NASA, the charges allege. He then had increased access to NASA resources such as the International Space Station, also furthering his standing in China at Guangdong University of Technology, authorities said.

Unknown to Texas A&M and NASA, Cheng held senior research positions at Guangdong and served in the People’s Republic of China Talents Program, according to the charges.

The China’s Talents Program centers around recruiting and fostering scientific talent for scientific development, economic gains and national security in China.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and other federal leaders on Monday said that the Talents Program has, not for the first time, taken advantage of United States resources.


“China is building an economy and academic institutions with bricks stolen from others all around the world,” Patrick said in a news release. “While 1.4 million foreign researchers and academics are here in the U.S. for the right reasons, the Chinese Talents Program exploits our open and free universities. These conflicts must be disclosed, and we will hold those accountable when such conflict violates the law.”

Cheng faces charges of conspiracy, making false statements and wire fraud. He was taken into custody Sunday and is expected to make an initial appearance at 2 p.m. Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lo...professor-accused-of-lying-about-15510624.php

 

[FairAndUnbiased]

Guilty of thinking while Chinese, much like driving while black or flying while brown.