2 hrs ago
Belgium Detains Chinese-Belgian Man in Semiconductor Espionage Case
Belgian prosecutors are investigating a man over suspected spying involving computer-chip technology.
The man is 52 years old and has both Chinese and Belgian nationality.
He used to hold a senior job at Belgan, a company that made specialized gallium nitride chips.
Prosecutors say he also worked as a director of a Chinese company.
They allege that special company information and trade secrets were sent abroad illegally.
The man was arrested at an airport in Belgium while trying to fly to Beijing.
He has remained in detention, and another suspect has not been found.
Separately, China sanctioned two Polish technology institutions after the European Union imposed sanctions related to Russia, increasing tensions over technology and trade.
Belgian prosecutors said a 52-year-old dual Chinese-Belgian national has been in pre-trial detention since May on suspicion of espionage.
The man formerly held a senior position at Belgan, a Belgian gallium nitride semiconductor producer that went bankrupt in July 2024.
Prosecutors allege he also directed a Chinese company financed by a Chinese investment fund and established after he joined Belgan.
He is accused of illegally transferring intellectual property and trade secrets involving gallium nitride chip production abroad.
A second suspect remains at large, while China’s sanctions on two Polish institutions have added to technology tensions with the European Union.
- Who
- Belgian prosecutors detained a 52-year-old man with Chinese and Belgian nationality; a second suspect remains at large.
- What
- The man is suspected of espionage and illegally transferring semiconductor intellectual property and trade secrets abroad.
- Where
- He was arrested at Zaventem airport in Belgium while attempting to fly to Beijing.
- When
- He was arrested in May and has remained in pre-trial detention since then; Belgan was declared bankrupt in July 2024.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege the transfers involved gallium nitride semiconductor technology used in electric vehicles, aerospace and military applications.
European Union’s Sanctions Rationale
China’s Response
Technology restrictions and Russia
European Union’s Sanctions Rationale
The European Union’s 21st sanctions package restricted several companies from China and Hong Kong over allegations that they supplied technologies and components supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
China’s Response
China responded by sanctioning Wrocław University of Science and Technology and Vigo Photonics; the article says the move escalated trade and technology tensions between China and Brussels.
Key facts
- Suspect
- A 52-year-old dual Chinese-Belgian national
- Detention
- Held in pre-trial detention since May
- Former employer
- Belgan, a Belgian gallium nitride semiconductor producer
- Alleged conduct
- Illegal transfer of specialized intellectual property and trade secrets abroad
- Arrest location
- Zaventem airport, Belgium
- Second suspect
- Remains at large
- Related tensions
- China sanctioned Wrocław University of Science and Technology and Vigo Photonics after the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia
Sources
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