Company, Officer Sentenced in Scheme to Violate the Export Control Act

Tao Jiang, the president and owner of Broad Tech System, Inc., a California-based electronics distribution company, and his company were both sentenced for their involvement in a scheme to illegally export chemicals to a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese military. Jiang and Broad Tech System pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, violation of the Export Control Act, and money laundering conspiracy on January 11, 2023.

Jiang was ordered to serve one year of federal probation, pay a fine of $5,500, and perform 100 hours of community service. Broad Tech Systems was placed on federal probation for one year and ordered to pay a fine of $120,000. Both parties were also ordered to implement ethics and training programs, and to hire an employee to monitor compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.

The scheme involved ordering chemicals Photoresist and HPRD (Developer) from a Rhode Island-based manufacturer and submitting false documentation to the U.S. Government and shipping companies to illegally export the products to a state-owned Chinese entity in Nanjing, China. This company is involved in the manufacturing of electronic components and the research, development, and production of core chips and key components used in China's military strategic early warning systems, air defense systems, and other large-scale national projects. The intended recipient is on a U.S. government list of businesses that are not permitted to receive products manufactured in the United States.

Bohr Winn-Shih, an engineer employed at Broad Tech System, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2021, and was sentenced to one year of probation on August 3, 2021.