Trial opens in New York

Huawei Technologies, the world's largest supplier of wireless telecom equipment, faces a criminal racketeering trial in New York over allegations that it stole technology, plotted to steal U.S. trade secrets, and committed wire fraud, bank fraud, and other offenses. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.

The indictment, filed by federal prosecutors, accuses Huawei and some of its subsidiaries of doing business in North Korea despite U.S. sanctions, and of installing surveillance equipment that helped Iran monitor protesters during the 2009 anti-government demonstrations in Iran. The charges also include allegations that Huawei stole trade secrets from five American companies, including Cisco Systems, according to court documents.

Defense arguments

Huawei has pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts. The company's lawyers have sought to have the case dismissed, arguing in court filings that the U.S. allegations were too vague, that some were "impermissibly extraterritorial," and that they did not involve domestic wire and bank fraud.

Background

Huawei, based in Shenzhen, China, is barred from selling its equipment to U.S. carriers due to security concerns. The company has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that its business operations are lawful.