Belgian-Chinese Man Held for Trial in Semiconductor Trade-Secret Case
A 52-year-old Belgian-Chinese researcher is in custody, accused of leaking semiconductor trade secrets to China before his arrest at Brussels airport.
Belgian federal prosecutors announced Monday that a 52-year-old Belgian-Chinese man is in custody and will face trial over suspected industrial espionage linked to semiconductor technology.
The man, born in Beijing but residing in Belgium, was arrested on May 10 as he prepared to board a flight from Brussels to Beijing. He remains in prison pending trial, prosecutors said.
He held a senior research position at BelGaN, a Belgian company specialising in gallium nitride semiconductors — components used in electric vehicles, satellites, radar systems and electronic warfare. BelGaN, which employed around 400 people, was declared bankrupt in July 2024.
Investigators suspect the man was simultaneously acting as head of a Chinese company engaged in similar work. That firm was reportedly established just months after he joined BelGaN.
The probe covers possible industrial espionage, membership in a criminal organisation, misuse of company assets and unlawful disclosure of business secrets. Several data storage devices and electronic communication equipment have been seized and are being analysed.
Prosecutors said they are also pursuing a second suspect, but gave no further details.