Huawei, a smartphones and telecommunication equipment maker, has been facing scrutiny over security in the USA. Meng Wenzhou is Huawei Founder Ren Zhengfei’s daughter
pic credits – Twitter (the global)The chief financial officer (CFO) of Chinese tech giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada. Meng Wenzhou faces extradition to the United States, and has been granted a publication ban. A judge had earlier barred police and prosecutors from releasing information about the case.
Meng Wenzhou, known as Cathy Meng and Sabrina Meng, is also the deputy chairwoman of Huawei’s board. She is the daughter of Huawei Founder Ren Zhengfei.
Ian McLeod, spokesman, Canada Justice Department, said,” Meng is sought for extradition by the United States, and a bail hearing has been set for Friday.” His statements were first reported by The Globe and Mail.
Huawei, which is famous for selling smartphones and telecommunications equipment around the world, has been facing continuous scrutiny in the United States and several other countries.
Arrested on behalf of the United States
A Huawei spokesperson, as reported by various media houses, has claimed that Meng has been detained in Vancouver by Canadian authorities on behalf of the United States. Meng, as per Huawei, is facing charges in Eastern District of New York.
It is to be noted here that The Wall Street Journal in April had reported that the US Justice Department was investigating allegations against Huawei for violating US sanctions on Iran. The spokesperson said that Huawei has been provided with ‘very little information’ regarding the charges from the concerned authorities.
Huawei claims it is unaware of any wrongdoings done by Meng.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks the US for immediate release
Geng Shuang, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, told reporters, “The Chinese side has made clear our solemn positions to the United States and Canada, and asked them to clarify the reason of the detention and to release the detainee immediately, and to earnestly safeguard the legal and legitimate rights and interests of the person involved.”
Officials from Unites States, time and again, have warned about potential national security risks arising from using Huawei products. The US government is also concerned that the Chinese government could be possibly using Huawei’s networking technology to spy on Americans.
