A former worker of Dutch semiconductor agency ASML, recognized as German A. (43), stands accused of smuggling delicate commerce secrets and techniques to Russia over a span of practically 9 years.
The engineer, initially from Russia, reportedly transferred confidential info utilizing USB drives whereas touring repeatedly to Moscow, the place authorities allege he obtained money funds for his actions.
Espionage Allegations and Timeline
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) contends that German A. engaged in industrial espionage between November 2015 and August 2024 whereas working at ASML, NXP, and Mapper Lithography, amongst different roles within the chip business.
Prosecutors assert that the stolen recordsdata, together with microchip manuals and different proprietary paperwork, might have contributed to advancing Russia’s chip manufacturing capabilities, a big concern amid rising geopolitical tensions and worldwide sanctions on the nation’s tech sector.
The OM estimates that the suspect was paid tens of 1000’s of euros throughout his alleged operations.
They preserve that German A. repeatedly traveled to Moscow with USB sticks containing proprietary info, which he’s believed to have handed over in change for money.
Suspect’s Protection
Dealing with trial in June, German A. has denied having any connections to Russian intelligence providers or participating within the sale of delicate paperwork.
Via his interpreter, he admitted to possessing ASML paperwork however claimed he held onto them solely to “preserve his personal data and expertise.”
He argued that the recordsdata in query have been principally outdated and inadequate for creating competing semiconductor applied sciences.
“My possession of those recordsdata couldn’t result in the profitable replication of ASML’s superior gadgets. Much more info can be required for that,” he advised the courtroom in his protection.
Pending Investigations
German A.’s lawyer, Richard Jansen, has referred to as for additional investigation forward of the trial.
He has requested testimony from ASML to make clear how workers may acquire entry to delicate paperwork, in addition to from the suspect’s ex-partner, who has beforehand made incriminating statements in opposition to him.
Moreover, the protection is questioning the adequacy of the proof linking German A. to Russian intelligence providers.
Whereas awaiting his trial, German A. stays in custody, although he has raised complaints about his remedy in jail and his lack of ability to see his present associate for months.
The Dutch authorities have moreover imposed a 20-year entry ban on him, guaranteeing he can not enter the nation after his eventual launch.
ASML, a world chief in semiconductor manufacturing tools, isn’t any stranger to geopolitical scrutiny as a result of its crucial position within the chip provide chain.
The allegations of commercial espionage underscore the growing dangers confronted by high-tech companies navigating the risky intersection of know-how and worldwide politics.
ASML has but to publicly touch upon the specifics of the investigation however is cooperating totally with authorities.
The trial, set to start in late June, is anticipated to convey extra particulars to gentle concerning the scope of the espionage and its potential implications for the semiconductor business.
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