CBP supervisor arrested for allegedly stealing government computer parts

Terry Liu, a 39-year-old supervisor for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port of entry in Calais, Maine, has been arrested for allegedly stealing government computer components. According to an FBI affidavit, Liu is accused of swapping high-end parts, including Intel Core i7-14700 CPUs, RAM, and storage, with older models to obtain credit through an online retailer's trade-in program.

Investigations revealed that 46 computers had been modified without authorization. The unauthorized changes included 39 CPU replacements, six RAM changes, and eight hard drive swaps. The modifications, which involved replacing 14th-generation parts with 12th-generation or Pentium components, resulted in degraded computer performance. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Liu swapping parts in a training room at midnight.

Liu faces charges of theft and destruction of government property, which carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and $100,000 in fines. He is currently being held in custody by the U.S. Marshals pending trial.