Indian techie named in $1bn Intel data theft

It is only by chance, according to the government, that Intel learned of Pani's plans to work for a competitor and decided to check if he had made off with confidential files.

After receiving a performance review in April of 'below expectations', Pani informed Intel on May 29 that he was resigning, according to Russell's statement.

In an e-mail to his boss, Pani said a hedge fund was interested in an option-trading strategy he had developed, and that he might 'dabble in that for a few months' and otherwise 'rest, reflect, and rejuvenate'.