Summary

On December 12, 2014, Jeffrey Warga of North Kingston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, Hartford, Connecticut, to wire fraud for his role in the sale of counterfeit aircraft parts. Warga knowingly sold counterfeit microprocessors to a Connecticut based aerospace manufacturer which were utilized in Bell produced helicopters. On December 10, 2014, DOT-OIG and DCIS Special Agents arrested Warga.  Our investigation determined that Warga sold counterfeit Intel microprocessors to Triumph Engine Control Systems, LLC. These counterfeit circuits were ultimately installed on a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) unit. This unit automatically controls all aspects of engine and hydraulic controls for the Bell helicopter. The Intel Corporation has confirmed that the circuit chip bearing the markings "Intel" that was found installed within the FADEC unit was not manufactured by Intel.

We are conducting this investigation with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.