In a classic tech world plot twist that sounds like a rejected Silicon Valley episode, Intel just dropped a bombshell lawsuit against a former software engineer who allegedly tried to make off with thousands of confidential files.

The Digital Data Grab

Jinfeng Luo, a long-time Intel employee since 2014, was on his way out when things got spicy. After being told his job was toast by July 31, he allegedly decided to play digital cat-and-mouse with the tech giant’s cybersecurity team.

First attempt? An external hard drive connection that got blocked faster than a troll on Twitter. But our protagonist wasn’t giving up that easily. Round two involved a network storage device that successfully downloaded nearly 18,000 files - some even labeled “Intel Top Secret” because apparently, dramatic labeling makes everything more intense.

The Corporate Aftermath

Intel isn’t playing nice. They’re seeking at least $250,000 in compensation and want a court order to inspect Luo’s personal electronic devices. Talk about a breakup that leaves scorched digital earth.

Interestingly, Luo seems to have gone full ghost mode. Despite Intel’s multiple attempts to reach out via phone, email, and snail mail, he’s been more silent than an introvert at a networking event.

The Bigger Picture

This data drama unfolds against the backdrop of Intel’s massive 15% workforce reduction. In the ever-churning tech world, sometimes a departing employee decides to take a little ‘souvenir’ - though we’re pretty sure that’s not what HR means by ‘company memorabilia’.

Stay tuned, tech drama enthusiasts - this story is far from over.