Belgium, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : Belgian prosecutors have announced the detention of a 52-year-old man with dual Chinese and Belgian citizenship on suspicion of espionage related to semiconductor technology. He has been held in pre-trial custody since May.
According to the prosecutors, the suspect previously held a senior position at Belgain, a Belgian microchip manufacturer specializing in gallium nitride semiconductors, which declared bankruptcy in July 2024.
It is alleged that shortly after joining Belgain, the individual also worked as a director for a Chinese company funded by a Chinese investment fund. In this role, he reportedly transferred sensitive intellectual property and trade secrets related to gallium nitride chips used in electric vehicles, aerospace, and military applications to foreign entities illegally.
The man was arrested in May at Zaventem Airport while attempting to board a flight to Beijing. Prosecutors confirmed he remains in custody, while another suspect connected to the investigation is still at large.
A report released at the end of July indicated that China had imposed sanctions on two Polish high-tech institutions in response to new EU restrictions against Russia. This development has further strained trade and technology relations between Beijing and Brussels.
The sanctions targeted the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, one of Poland’s leading technical universities known for its expertise in satellite technologies and space research, as well as Vigo Photonics, a manufacturer of infrared components used in defense, energy, medical, and industrial sectors.
These actions followed the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, which included restrictions on several companies from China and Hong Kong accused of supplying technologies and components supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
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