Irvine : Fine, Probation Given for Illegal-Export Role

An Irvine computer engineer was ordered by a federal judge in Los Angeles on Monday to pay a $50,000 fine and was given five years’ probation for his role in illegally exporting about $70,000 worth of computer equipment to Hong Kong.

Louis Luk, 28, co-owner of Mcall Resources Inc., pleaded guilty in April to five illegal export charges and one conspiracy count. U.S. District Judge Harry L. Hupp described Luk as “a bright, smart, hard-working young man who did something pretty darn stupid.”

Hupp said that although Luk did not apply for the proper government licenses to export the computer products, it did not appear that the exports jeopardized national security.

“I swear to God I will not do this again,” said Luk, who now works at a major Orange County computer company that he declined to identify.

Luk’s attorney, Mark E. Beck, said Luk will pay the government $10,000 a year for five years. Beck said Luk earns about $30,000 a year.

Last month, the government dropped the charges filed against Luk’s partner, Jonas Leung, 32, of El Monte. Assistant U.S. Atty. William F. Fahey said the Commerce Department will still seek administrative sanctions against the company.

James Ng and Lilly Wan of Hong Kong were also indicted in January, but the pair remain fugitives.