Ondrej Holzman More than four years after Paul Shin Devine was arrested and charged with fraud, money laundering and bribery, the former Apple supply chain executive learned his sentence: one year in prison and a $4,5 million fine ).
Between 2005 and 2010, when he served as a supply chain manager, Devine disclosed secret information about future Apple products to Asian suppliers, which he subsequently used to negotiate better terms in contracts and obtain bribes. Devine was to supply classified information to Asian manufacturers of components for iPhones and iPods.
When he was arrested in 2010, the FBI found $150 hidden in shoe boxes at his home. That same year, Devine was indicted and pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering in 2011. His illegal activity should have earned him more than 2,4 million dollars (53 million crowns).
“Apple is committed to the highest ethical standards in the way it does business. We have zero tolerance for misconduct inside or outside our company," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling said in 2010 in response to Devin's arrest.
Devine faced up to 4,5 years in prison, but after more than four years, the court only sentenced him to a one-year sentence and a $XNUMX million fine. However, the federal court in San José declined to say why it took so long to deliver the verdict. It is speculated that Devine cooperated with investigative agencies and helped uncover other fraud in the Asian supply chain. That is why he could only receive a minimum sentence.
But in the end, Devine can be glad that the financial compensation for the damage he has done will not cost him a much more staggering sum. The case of the bankrupt GTAT sapphire producer in fact, he showed that Apple threatened his supplier with a 50 million fine for each disclosure of secret documents.
