Prosecutors say documents found on computers belonging to Lee and Ge established a link between Sico and China's 863 funding program.

One of the documents found on Lee's computer was a business agreement between Sico and a Beijing-based venture capital firm in which both parties agree to tap the 863 program for funds.

Another document talked about a plan by Sico to bid on a project in China on the 863 plan, while another one was a business plan seeking close to $4 million from the 863 program.

The 863 funding program was apparently set up by China to encourage technology development in the country, especially in areas such as communications, laser technology and military applications.

The indictment papers, however, stop short of directly making any allegations against China, other than implying that the allegedly misappropriated trade secrets would benefit the country.