Chinese National Arrested and Charged with Illegally Modifying Border Patrol Hardware

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervisor in Maine has been arrested after federal investigators accused him of secretly altering dozens of government computers and trading valuable components for store credit. Terry Liu, 39, was charged in federal court in Bangor with theft of government property and destruction of government property. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000.

According to an FBI affidavit, CBP technology personnel discovered in December 2025 that numerous agency computers had been modified without authorization from management or IT staff. Investigators eventually identified 46 affected computers, including 38 at the Calais Port of Entry, six at Ferry Point and two at Milltown.

Authorities said processors were replaced in 39 computers, while RAM was changed in six machines and hard drives were swapped in eight. Some computers allegedly underwent more than one modification.

The original computers contained newer Intel processors, including 14th-generation Core i7 chips. Investigators said those parts were replaced with older or lower-performing processors that failed to meet CBP specifications.

Many of the altered computers were later reconnected to the agency’s network.

Concerns about Liu’s conduct had already surfaced months earlier. On March 18, 2025, Port Director Theodore Cummings issued Liu a written instruction stating, “Please do not move any computers or computer parts.”

Investigators later installed surveillance cameras. Footage allegedly showed Liu working during overnight shifts, opening computers, removing components and testing the machines while few other employees were present.

Financial and email records also became part of the investigation.

Authorities said Liu submitted original government computer components to Newegg’s trade-in program. Investigators located emails containing shipping labels and trade-in information for processor models matching those removed from CBP computers.

Newegg records allegedly showed 16 transactions involving 14th-generation Intel Core i7 processors between May 2025 and July 2026. Emails referenced trade-in offers totaling at least $2,660.

CBP estimated that restoring the original components would cost more than $20,000. Replacing all 46 affected computers was estimated to cost more than $105,000.

During a September 9 interview, Liu allegedly admitted replacing CBP hardware with older components and using government parts for Newegg trade-in credit.

He initially claimed the changes were intended to make the computers more efficient. Investigators said he later acknowledged knowing the modifications reduced performance and explained that he was frustrated by delays in CBP’s normal IT repair process.

The affidavit does not accuse Liu of installing malware or sending government information outside the agency.

Federal prosecutors have asked that Liu remain detained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Ruge cited Liu’s “recent and frequent international travel” and “apparent foreign connections and substantial means with which to flee.”

The source also reports that Liu has described himself on social media as a native of Guangzhou, China. CBP officer positions require U.S. citizenship. The case remains an allegation, and the charges have not established Liu’s guilt.