NJ.com reports that FBI agents on October 13 arrested Ralph Mandil, a 37-year-old employee of an unnamed manufacturer of “As Seen On TV” products, charging him with stealing trade secrets and offering to sell the information for $197,500. According to prosecutors, the arrest was the result of a two-month sting operation.

Mandil of West Long Branch, N.J., allegedly offered to sell merchandise and trade secrets stolen from his employer to people he believed worked for an undisclosed competitor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. However, prosecutors stated that Mandil was actually selling to undercover law enforcement agents.

Mandil not only faces charges of theft of trade secrets but also wire fraud. If convicted of wire fraud, he faces up to 20 years in prison, according to prosecutors.

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Photo by NJ.com