Ko-Suen Moo, of Taipei, Taiwan, was sentenced on Tuesday on charges of being a covert agent of the People’s Republic of China; conspiracy to broker and to export defense articles to the People’s Republic of China, including one F-16 aircraft engine, Blackhawk helicopter engines, cruise missiles and air-to-air missiles; and bribery of a public official.
United States District Court Judge Donald Graham sentenced Moo to 78 months’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit his interest in approximately $350,000 that was seized during the investigation of this case.
United States Attorney R. Alexander Acosta stated, “Moo threatened our national security by illegally negotiating the purchase of F-16 and Blackhawk engines, air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles for delivery to the People’s Republic of China. When caught, he tried to undermine our system of justice by attempting to buy his way of jail. Tuesday’s lengthy sentence confirms that American security and justice will not be compromised and are simply not up for sale.”
Defense Criminal Investigative Service Acting Director Daniel F. Willkens said, “The illegal export of U.S. military technology and weapons is one of the most significant and growing threats to our national security. This investigation highlights the achievements of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, in cooperation with Federal law enforcement and intelligence agency partners, in countering these threats.”
According to in-court statements during the change of plea hearing, since at least February, 2004, Moo and others had been negotiating for the acquisition of numerous defense articles for illegal delivery to the People