Belgium authorities arrested a Chinese national suspected of illegally obtaining semiconductor manufacturing technology to transfer it to China. The arrest took place two days before the suspect's scheduled flight to Beijing.
The 52-year-old suspect, who also holds Belgian citizenship, held a high-ranking position at BelGaN until 2024. BelGaN is a bankrupt local company specializing in gallium nitride power semiconductors, which are critical for electric vehicles, data center infrastructure, and the aerospace and defense sectors.
Investigators believe the suspect founded a Chinese company shortly after joining BelGaN to illegally transfer commercial secrets and intellectual property. Belgian intelligence services note that Chinese investors often invest in local tech companies to copy valuable technologies. A second suspect in the case is currently being sought.
