U.S.

US Announces Criminal Charges Against Tech Giant Huawei

The company's CFO was arrested in Canada in December.

US Announces Criminal Charges Against Tech Giant Huawei
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The U.S. filed criminal charges against Chinese tech giant Huawei on Monday.

The Justice Department released two sets of formal charges against the company. The first alleges Huawei tried to steal trade secrets from T-mobile; the other alleges the company bypassed U.S. sanctions on Iran.

During a press conference, FBI Director Christopher Wray said Huawei "relied on dishonest business practices that contradict the economic principles that have allowed American companies and the United States to thrive."

The department also released formal charges against Huawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou, who it says helped cover up the alleged sanctions violations. Meng was arrested in Vancouver last month, and she's been placed under house arrest while she awaits a trial in Canada and possible extradition to the U.S.

The U.S. has long believed Huawei devices pose a national security threat, and now Congress is considering banning American companies from selling parts to any Chinese telecom company that has violated U.S. laws or sanctions. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.