After reviewing CCTV footage, investigators found that several weeks earlier the Chinese national had convinced a colleague to scan his access badge at Google’s offices, creating the illusion he was at work.
Ding had, in fact, been thousands of miles away in China – presenting himself as the chief executive of a company called Zhisuan and seeking to raise funds. On January 6, the day before his flight was due to leave, FBI agents raided his house and seized his devices and passport.