A Maryland resident has pleaded guilty to taking part in a scheme resulting in his China-based coconspirators having access to sensitive U.S. government systems, including those of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to federal prosecutors.
Minh Phuong Ngoc Vong, 40, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland said in a statement on April 15. Vong, a native of Vietnam and a naturalized U.S. citizen, conspired with unknown individuals, including John Doe, also known as William James, from the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang.
“Mr. Vong put the United States and its citizens in harm’s way by plotting and engaging in this fraudulent scheme. His actions gave unauthorized people access to sensitive U.S. Government systems and national-defense matters,” Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, said in a statement….