In December 2019, Mingyu Tang, a wind engineer and meteorologist, joined Texas-based investment firm GH America to oversee Blue Hills Wind, an onshore wind farm project in West Texas. However, last summer, Tang filed civil claims against his employer for unpaid bonuses, which led to GH America suing him for sharing sensitive company documents for personal gain. The company alleged that Tang breached confidentiality and contractual relationships. Tang, on the other hand, claimed he was reporting illegal activities within the company, including fraud and illegal firearms purchases, to the FBI. The federal case is set for trial in January 2025.
The legal battle between Tang and GH America has put pressure on Sun Guangxin’s Texas business. Sun, a Chinese billionaire, has faced setbacks, including a new Texas state law preventing a major project in 2021 and a bankruptcy petition from creditors demanding $4.3 million in unpaid bills from Sun’s natural gas affiliate, GHA Barnett. Tang’s claims and company documents obtained by Forbes suggest a company in distress and an employee seeking justice. Sun is known for his diverse business ventures, including real estate, oil, gas, and automotive services in China’s Xinjiang province, where human rights abuses have drawn international criticism.
Tang, born and raised in China, pursued opportunities abroad after studying in the United States and working for various companies in the renewable energy sector. GHA alleges that Tang began focusing on side projects without company approval and solicited employees for outside ventures during work hours. This led to accusations of trade secret theft, which Tang denies, claiming he transferred company information for legal reasons due to equipment failures. Tang also accused GHA of bringing the lawsuit in retaliation for his reporting of illegal activities within the company, including tax evasion and fraudulent real estate transactions.
The allegations against GHA include involvement in fraudulent activities, such as falsifying appraisal reports, setting up sham real estate buyers, tax evasion, and illegal firearms purchases. These claims are related to Sun’s luxury ranch in Val Verde county, where illegal activities were allegedly taking place, according to sources. Tang’s counterclaims also involve allegations of illegal activities within the company, which he reported to law enforcement. The legal dispute between Tang and GHA highlights a complex web of accusations and counterclaims that have yet to be resolved through settlement or trial.
The situation surrounding GHA’s legal battle with Tang is emblematic of common trade secret theft disputes, where employees are accused of unlawfully taking confidential information for personal gain or starting competing businesses. GHA’s new vice president of renewable energy, Jerry Price, stated that Tang was trying to operate a separate business within the company, leading to conflicts. The case is scheduled for trial in 2025, and the outcome will depend on Sun’s decisions. Despite the challenges faced by Sun’s business ventures in Texas, his authority remains absolute in determining the course of legal actions.
In conclusion, the legal dispute between Mingyu Tang and GH America sheds light on the challenges faced by Chinese billionaire Sun Guangxin’s business in Texas. Tang’s allegations of trade secret theft and illegal activities within the company raise questions about corporate governance and integrity. The unresolved legal battle underscores the complexities of international business dealings and the importance of transparent and ethical practices in the corporate world. Ultimately, the outcome of the case will determine the future of Sun’s business interests in the U.S. and the reputation of those involved in the legal proceedings.
