Belgian-Chinese man to face trial over suspected semiconductor espionage
Prosecutors say the suspect also led a Chinese chip company that was founded months after he joined BelGaN and financed by a Chinese investment fund.
- On Monday, Belgian prosecutors announced a 52-year-old Belgian-Chinese man remains in detention on suspicion of industrial espionage following his arrest on May 10 at Zaventem airport in Brussels before boarding a flight to Beijing.
- The suspect previously held a senior position at BelGaN, a microchip maker employing around 400 people that declared bankruptcy on July 31, 2024, while prosecutors allege he simultaneously directed a competing Chinese firm.
- Investigators suspect he illegally transferred trade secrets regarding gallium nitride semiconductors used in electric vehicles, aerospace, and military systems; several data storage devices and electronic communications equipment were seized for analysis.
- Belgian federal prosecutors confirmed they are pursuing a second suspect as the man awaits trial, with the investigation examining potential criminal organization membership and unlawful disclosure of business secrets.
- The Chinese embassy in Belgium was not immediately available for comment regarding the espionage allegations, leaving the diplomatic response to the case unclear.
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68 Articles
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CHINA ESPIONAGE CASE: Belgian Chip Executive Accused Of Stealing Sensitive Military Technology
Belgian prosecutors are holding a 52-year-old dual Chinese-Belgian national on suspicion of espionage in a case involving advanced semiconductor technology with applications in electric vehicles, aerospace systems and the military. The suspect previously held a senior position at Belgian semiconductor manufacturer BelGaN, a specialized producer of gallium nitride chips. The company was declared bankrupt in […]
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Yu-ri = Authorities are on high alert as a new type of industrial spy emerges across Europe, copying and stealing advanced semiconductor technology to China...
The Belgian Public Prosecutor ' s Office is investigating the possible transfer to China of intellectual property and commercial secrets from the semiconductor manufacturer.
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