A man in US was charged for selling counterfeit semi-conductors used in nuclear submarines, the Department of Justice has said.
According to the indictment Peter Picone (40) made false representations about the semiconductors and sold them to customers throughout the US, including companies believed by Picone to be defence contractors in Connecticut and Florida.
It added that Picone, purchased counterfeit semiconductors from sources in Hong Kong and China through two companies he owned and operated, Tytronix Inc and Epic International Electronics.
"Picone went to great lengths to conceal the true origin of counterfeit semiconductors in order to sell the devices as seemingly legitimate and reliable components for use in nuclear submarines and other complex machinery," said Mythili Raman, Acting Assistant Attorney General.
Certain semiconductors sold by Picone were intended for use on nuclear submarines, the Justice Department said.
"Counterfeit semiconductors pose a serious health and safety risk to consumers and end-users, and an even greater threat to the safety of the men and women of our armed services when they are sold for use in the military," said Acting US Attorney Deirdre Daly.
He might face up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment if convicted.
Arraigned before a court in Connecticut, Picone was released on bail while his trail is scheduled to start on September 9.
