Huawei began facing a federal criminal trial in New York on Tuesday (8) involving charges of racketeering conspiracy, bank fraud, sanctions violations, and misappropriation of trade secrets. The Chinese company denies the allegations.
The case is being heard in Brooklyn federal court, presided over by Judge Ann Donnelly. Jury selection marks the start of a long-awaited stage in a case that deepened technological and diplomatic tensions between the United States and China.
What the charges say
U.S. prosecutors claim that Huawei misled banks about business conducted in Iran through the company Skycom, in addition to carrying out activities that violated United States sanctions. The indictment also includes allegations related to operations in North Korea, money laundering, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Another front of the lawsuit contends that the company conspired to misappropriate trade secrets from U.S. technology companies. The claims are formal allegations and still need to be proven at trial.
Huawei contests the trial
Huawei has pleaded not guilty and states that the case represents an attempt to harm its competitiveness. The company questions the scope of the charges and denies any wrongdoing.
The case began to gain international scope after the arrest of then chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Canada in 2018, based on a U.S. warrant. Meng returned to China in 2021 following an agreement that resolved individual charges against her, but the case against Huawei continued.
Tech dispute between the US and China
Since 2019, U.S. restrictions have limited Huawei’s access to U.S. components and technology. Washington contends that the company poses national security concerns, a claim rejected by Huawei.
Despite the restrictions, the company expanded investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, computing, and automotive components. The trial therefore takes place amid broader competition for control of strategic technologies.
The trial is expected to last for several weeks or months. The start of the trial does not constitute a conviction, and criminal liability will be decided based on the evidence and arguments presented to the court.
Sources
- Associated Press — September 8, 2026
- Reuters — September 8, 2026
