A Quebec Court judge has set a date to deliver his verdict in a high-profile industrial espionage case involving Hydro-Québec's cutting-edge battery research. The decision concerning Yuesheng Wang, a researcher accused of spying for China, is scheduled for April 17.
The Charges and Allegations
Yuesheng Wang, a 38-year-old Chinese national who lived in Candiac prior to his arrest in November 2022, faces four criminal charges. He is accused of obtaining a trade secret for the benefit of China to the detriment of Canada's economic interests. Additional charges include fraudulently obtaining a computer service, breach of trust, and knowingly obtaining a trade secret.
The Crown alleges that Wang, who worked as a researcher on electric vehicle batteries for the provincial utility from 2016 to 2022, shared confidential Hydro-Québec research on battery technologies with entities in China.
Court Proceedings and Defence
During a brief hearing at the Longueuil courthouse on Thursday, Judge Jean-Philippe Marcoux confirmed he has begun deliberating on the evidence presented during the lengthy trial. The judge received a written copy of the closing arguments from defence lawyer Gary Martin.
Wang testified extensively in his own defence at the end of the trial, where he denied any wrongdoing. The defence's arguments are now part of the record the judge will consider before rendering his decision this spring.
Significance and Broader Context
This case highlights growing international concerns over the protection of intellectual property and trade secrets, particularly in the strategically vital field of green energy technology. Hydro-Québec is a world leader in battery and energy storage research, making its proprietary data a high-value target.
The April verdict will be closely watched by national security experts, the energy sector, and the diplomatic community, as it represents a significant test of Canada's legal framework for prosecuting alleged economic espionage.
