South Korean firm accused of trying to steal secrets about Kevlar October 18, 2012 -- Updated 1630 GMT (0030 HKT) Indictment says Kolon Industries tried to steal trade secrets from DuPont and a Japanese firm A DuPont plant in Richmond, Virginia, makes Kevlar The high-strength fiber is used in body armor, fiber-optic cables and industrial products Washington (CNN) -- A South Korean competitor of the American chemical company DuPont was indicted in Virginia on Thursday, accused of trying to steal trade secrets on the design and manufacture of Kevlar, a widely used product made by DuPont. A DuPont plant in Richmond, Virginia, makes Kevlar, a high-strength fiber used in vests and body armor, fiber-optic cables and a variety of industrial products. A six-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Richmond accuses the South Korean firm Kolon Industries, the maker of a product that competes with Kevlar, with trying to steal trade secrets from DuPont and a Japanese firm. Five Kolon employees were also charged. The announcement was made by senior Justice Department and FBI officials in Alexandria, Virginia.