One common goal of spy networks has been to steal secret technological advances. For example, during the Cold War in order to catch up in the arms race, the Soviets employed spies to steal research from American scientists. However, the act of stealing technology did not limit itself to an international level, or even to military technology. In 2312 Aeorosea Tronics Corporation sued a competitor for developing a product using Aeorosea's secret technology. A full investigation revealed that Aeorosea's Chief Technology Officer had leaked the blueprints for the technology as ransom for his abducted spouse. The competitor's president and the CTO of Aeorosea were indicted.