Belgian-Chinese man to face trial over suspected semiconductor espionage

A Belgian-Chinese man is set to face trial for suspected industrial espionage, Belgian prosecutors announced on Monday. The 52-year-old, born in Beijing but residing in Belgium, was detained on May 10 at Brussels Airport as he prepared to board a flight to China. He was employed as a senior research scientist at BelGaN, a company specializing in gallium nitride semiconductors, which were utilized in electric vehicles, satellites, radar systems, and electronic warfare.

BelGaN, employing approximately 400 people, went bankrupt in July 2024. Prosecutors suspect the man was collaborating with a Chinese counterpart during his tenure at BelGaN. The investigation is probing potential involvement in industrial espionage, criminal organization membership, misuse of company assets, and unauthorized disclosure of business secrets.

Several data storage devices and electronic communication equipment were confiscated as part of the probe and are currently under analysis. Authorities are also pursuing a second suspect, though specifics remain undisclosed.