Belgium detains dual national on suspicion of semiconductor espionage for China

Key facts

• A dual Chinese-Belgian national has been held in pre-trial detention in Belgium since May.
• He is suspected of espionage involving semiconductor technology.
• The man previously held a senior position at Belgian microchip maker Belgan.
• He is also suspected of directing a Chinese company producing similar chips, financed by a Chinese investment fund.
• Prosecutors allege he illegally transferred intellectual property and trade secrets related to gallium nitride chip production.
• The technology is used in electric vehicles, aerospace, and the military.

Prosecutors in Belgium announced that a man with dual Chinese and Belgian nationality has been in pre-trial detention since May, suspected of espionage related to semiconductor technology. The 52-year-old individual previously held a senior role at Belgan, a Belgian producer of gallium nitride semiconductors that went bankrupt in July 2024.