Chinese scientist admits stealing Monsanto trade secrets

Chinese national Xiang Haitao, who worked almost 10 years as an imaging scientist for Monsanto and then a subsidiary in Missouri, US, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit economic espionage on 6 January. Xiang, who admitted to stealing trade secrets from Monsanto to benefit China, faces up to 15 years in prison and a $5 million (£3.7 million) fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 7 April.