From Tire Review
 
AKRON, Ohio – A former researcher with Bridgestone Americas has been indicted on federal charges that he stole trade secrets from the tiremaker and lied to investigators.
 
Xiaorgon Wang, 50, worked at Bridgestone Americas Center for Research and Technology in Akron, Ohio, until he was fired in April 2010 for unrelated reasons, according to reports.
 
Investigators said Wang downloaded proprietary information after he was fired, including research on polymer formulas and unpatented data.
 
The FBI said Wang lied about his relationship with the Shanghai Frontier Elastomer Co., which develops products for both military and civilian applications.
 
Wang was arrested by the FBI at his home in Hudson, Ohio.
 
“Dr. Wang used his insider status at one of the leading tire and rubber businesses to steal valuable trade secrets,” said Stephen Anthony, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Cleveland office. “The FBI is committed to continue working with Bridgestone as well as any other business that has been victimized by trade secret theft. Combating serious and economic national security threats will continue to be a FBI priority.”