EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A East Lansing based software company CEO was arrested Tuesday after allegedly procuring personal data of Los Angeles county poll workers, and violating contracts with California.
Eugene Yu, founder and CEO of Konnech, had a five year contract – $2.9 million deal – with Los Angeles county in which the data was to be secured so that only United States citizens and permanent residents had access to it according to LA County.
MORE NEWS: Here Come the Swears: The NFL Draft in Detroit is a ‘BFD’ for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
“Mr. Yu is currently in custody in Michigan and we’re seeking to extradite him to Los Angeles county in connection to theft of personal data of election workers storing this information on servers outside of the United States,” said LA County District Attorney George Gascón.
Yu’s company sells PollChief software, which was used by the election worker management system in the last California election. PollChief requires poll workers who use the software for assignments, communications and payroll, to submit personal identifying information, all of which is retained by Konnech.
“I want to thank my prosecutors and investigators for their commitment to eliminating cyber intrusions against government entities and local businesses,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said, “Data breaches are an ongoing threat to our digital way of life. When we entrust a company to hold our confidential data, they must be willing and able to protect our personal identifying information from theft. Otherwise, we are all victims.”
California DA investigators found that Yu and Konnech violated the contract and stored information on servers in the People’s Republic of China according to the County.
Currently the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Township Police, and East Lansing Police Department are working with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office to investigate Yu and the company.
“Mr. Yu is currently in custody in Michigan and we’re seeking to extradite him to Los Angeles county in connection to theft of personal data of election workers storing this information on servers outside of the United States,” said LA County District Attorney George Gascón.
MORE NEWS: Black Bear with a Sweet Tooth Has New Home
Currently investigators do not have a motive, but do not believe the information was sold abroad.
Leave a Comment
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.