Belgian-Chinese semiconductor researcher arrested over alleged GaN trade-secret theft — prosecutors suspect BelGaN insiders transferred chip IP to China before the company collapsed
Belgian authorities have arrested a former BelGaN researcher on suspicion of industrial espionage, alleging that proprietary gallium nitride semiconductor technology was transferred to a Chinese rival as the Belgian chipmaker headed toward bankruptcy.
A Belgian-Chinese semiconductor researcher, H.L., has been arrested on suspicion of espionage for allegedly transferring specialized intellectual property and trade secrets from the now-defunct Belgian chipmaker BelGaN to China. The suspect, who was identified as holding a senior research position at BelGaN, was arrested at Brussels airport in May while attempting to board a flight to China.
Prosecutors suspect that H.L. was also leading a Chinese chip firm, GanKool, which was developing the same specialized gallium nitride chip technology as BelGaN. The arrest comes after an investigation into BelGaN's collapse in summer 2024, which revealed unusual corporate activity and connections between BelGaN and GanKool. The incident highlights the intense competition over technology and intellectual property in the semiconductor industry, particularly between China and the U.S.
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