Canada & Meng Wanzhou – Update (Meng Minute)

* Meng Wanzhou, Hauwei and affiliates face 13 charges in the US.* Acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker.* 13 counts of bank and wire fraud relates to Skycom operating in Iran.* Huawei claims that Skycom is an unrelated company.* Huawei was able to borrow money from US banks and use that money in Iran under the Skycom name. * Violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act & to commit money laundering.* Huawei is also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice.* To other executives are charged with stealing trade secrets.* Tried to steal robotic technology form T-Mobile to test smartphones’ durability. * Not rogue employees acting on their own.* Way of doing business encouraged by Huawei. * Whitaker stated Monday that the US will formally file for extradition by Tuesday (Deadline).* John McCallum – Canada’s “former” Ambassador to China* Tuesday Jan 22, He told Chinese journalists that Meng Wanzhou had a good cast to fight the extradition to the US and listed several arguments he thought would help her case. * Wednesday, many were calling for his dismissal as he was making statements as Canada’s ambassador that would be considered political and not judicial. * Thursday he said he misspoke those statements.* Friday he told a Canadian reporter that it would be “great for Canada” if the US dropped their extradition request.  He also said that if the US and China made a deal, it should include releasing the two Canadians. This is also considered political interference and assumes that a political deal will be made, not the rule of law. * Saturday – Justin Trudeau requested McCallum’s resignation. * What is all the Hype/Concern about Huawei?* 1. Ties to the Chinese Government.* Some argue US led efforts to convince partners to drop Huawei is less about national security and more aby stymying Chinese dominance.* 2. Chinese Tech companies could be compelled by the Chinese government to modify their technology for spying.* The US Department this week, “the immense influence that the Chinese government holds over Chinese corporations” is a threat to America’s economic and national security.* What Modifications?* Attacking the supply chain = producer makes modifications to a piece of hardware or software before it reaches its final destination. * 5G is a big target.  The interconnectivity of things (Cars, appliances, communication…).* Could spy or shut it down (similar to GPS). * Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine reported that computer components from a US firm called “SuperMicro” had been subtly modified during manufacturing in a Chinese factory.  Apple and Amazon use these chips. Not verified true.* There are confirmed cases of Chinese companies doing this.  “CCCleaner” and File-sharing app “Transmission”. * NotPetya was a Russia linked ransomware.  It pretended to be a legitimate update to accounting software M.E.Doc used in the Ukraine.  It shut down Maersk Shipping. * China has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar (stealing technology) before.  It’s in their playbook. * December – 2 chinese agents were caught stealing from 12 countries (Canada included).  “We are talking about State Sponsored actors engaged in illegal behaviour”.* Trust but Verify?* There are 3rd parties that can audit and inspect equipment but this may not catch everything (especially if the spy knows it will be checked).