FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A University of Arkansas professor has been arrested for wire fraud and is accused of failing to disclose "close ties" with the Chinese government and Chinese companies.
Simon Saw-Teong Ang, 63, of Fayetteville, was arrested on Friday (May 8).
The criminal complaint that was unsealed Monday (May 11) accused Ang of having close ties with the Chineses government and Chinese companies and stated that he failed to disclose those ties when required to do so to receive grant money from NASA.
"These materially false representations to NASA and the University of Arkansas resulted in numerous wires to be sent and received that facilitated Ang's scheme to defraud," a release from Charlie Robbins with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Arkansas said.
If convicted, Ang faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.
The FBI is also investigating Ang's case.
The University of Arkansas released the following statement about Ang's arrest:
"Simon Ang has been suspended without pay from his responsibilities with the university and the university is actively cooperating with the federal investigation in this matter."
Ang has been with the university since 1988. He is the Director of the High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC). The HiDEC performs proprietary research as well as United States Government (USG) funded research. Since 2013, Ang has been either the primary investigator or co-investigator on USG funded grant contracts totaling approximately $5,064,861.50.
The Justice Department claims Ang maintained his employment at the University of Arkansas (UA) by failing to disclose that he held other positions at a Chinese university and Chinese companies, in violation of UA policy.
United States Code, Section 1343 is cited in Ang's case as transmitting "by means of wire, radio, or television communication" any "writing, signs, signals, pictures or sounds" (or causing any such false statements to be transmitted), in interstate or foreign commerce, for the purpose of executing "any scheme or artifice to defraud, or obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises" is a violation of federal law.
A criminal complaint provided by prosecutors show emails between Ang and another researcher. The emails show Ang worked to keep his ties with the Chinese government a secret from UA.
The criminal complaint goes on to detail how the Chinese government uses a "Talent Program" to bring foreign research to Chinese universities.
Arkansas lawmakers have been vocal about the situation.
Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack said Ang's arrest shows that China is trying to target American enterprises.
“The charge against Simon Ang is serious, and I support both the DOJ’s and FBI’s efforts in this matter. This situation further demonstrates a known reality: China is actively working to target every aspect of American enterprise. From our supply chain to academia, they are employing all tools to try and subvert our institutions and steal proprietary information. The Chinese Communist Party – and anyone supporting their hostile and illegal efforts – must be held accountable.”
Senator Tom Cotton discussed Ang with Hugh Hewitt Tuesday (May 12) morning.