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August 15, 2006
Former Nikon Researcher Accused of Espionage
It would appear the infamous "Cold War" between the East and West still lives on in some corners of our world. Several sources are reporting that a former Nikon researcher and a Russian citizen are accused of espionage.
The researcher, whose identity was not released by authorities, is accused of stealing a "variable optical attenuator" or VOA from his employer. The VOA is a fiberoptic device used in communications networks and is classified as dual-use; it can be used for both military and civilian purposes. His contact was a known member of the GRU, the military intelligence branch of Russia.
The GRU spy supposedly started "cultivating" his Nikon contact as far back as 2003, but fled on July 2nd of this year when Japanese authorities uncovered the plot and approached him for questioning. The former Nikon employee has not yet been charged. Nikon expressed disappointment with the incident but indicated they were fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Posted by covey22 at August 15, 2006 3:50 PM