Man to face trial over suspected semiconductor espionage
A Belgian-Chinese man has been taken into custody on suspicion of industrial espionage after allegedly transferring trade secrets about semiconductor production to China, Belgian prosecutors said Monday. Prosecutors said the 52-year-old man, who was born in Beijing but lived in Belgium, was detained on May 10 as he was about to board a flight in … The post Man to face trial over suspected…
A Belgian-Chinese individual has been arrested on suspicion of industrial espionage in Belgium, prosecutors announced on Monday. The 52-year-old, born in Beijing but residing in Belgium, was apprehended on May 10 while attempting to board a flight to Beijing, China. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, is currently incarcerated pending trial.
He held a senior research position at BelGaN, a company specializing in gallium nitride semiconductors, utilized in electric vehicles, satellites, radar systems, and electronic warfare. The company, which employed approximately 400 individuals, filed for bankruptcy in July 2024. Prosecutors suspect the man was collaborating with the head of a Chinese firm engaged in comparable activities at the same time. They theorize the company was established shortly after he joined BelGaN.
The investigation delves into potential involvement in industrial espionage, membership in a criminal organization, misuse of company assets, and unlawful disclosure of business secrets. Several data storage devices and electronic communication equipment have been seized and are undergoing analysis. Belgian federal prosecutors revealed the pursuit of a second suspect but refrained from providing further details.
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