Federal Investigations Look Into Intellectual Property Thefts

WASHINGTON, DC — The FBI is teaming up with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to stop China from stealing U.S. intellectual property.

All told, there are 180 individual cases reviewing the activities of scientists at 71 institutions, some of which are the most prestigious institutions in the United States, including the NIH.

Dr. Ross McKinney Jr., with the Association of American Medical Colleges says, "You could take a dart board with medical colleges with significant research programs and, as far as I can tell, you'd have a 50-50 chance of hitting a school with an active case."

As of yet, 24 cases are being referred to the NIH inspector general with evidence of criminal activity.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Justice Department charged Chinese telecommunications company Huawei with intellectual property theft and fraud.

Huawei poses a “dual threat to both our economic and national security, and the magnitude of these charges makes clear just how seriously the FBI takes this threat,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said at a press conference announcing the charges.