Belgian authorities have detained a 52-year-old man with Chinese and Belgian nationality as part of an investigation into suspected industrial espionage involving advanced semiconductor technology. Prosecutors allege that the man may have transferred sensitive intellectual property and trade secrets connected to gallium nitride chip production to a Chinese company.
The suspect, who lives in Belgium, was arrested in May at Brussels’ Zaventem Airport shortly before he was due to board a flight to Beijing. He has remained in pre-trial detention while the investigation continues.
Former BelGaN Research Executive Under Investigation
The case is connected to BelGaN, a Belgian semiconductor manufacturer that specialized in gallium nitride (GaN) chips and was declared bankrupt in July 2024 after employing roughly 400 people.
Investigators believe the detained man previously held a senior research role at BelGaN while also serving as a director of a Chinese company involved in similar semiconductor manufacturing. According to prosecutors, that Chinese company was established only a few months after he joined BelGaN and received backing from a Chinese investment fund.
Belgian authorities are examining whether specialized intellectual property and confidential business information related to GaN semiconductor production were unlawfully transferred outside the country.
Semiconductor Technology Has Strategic Importance
Gallium nitride chips are increasingly important across several high-value industries. The technology is used in applications involving electric vehicles, aerospace, satellites, radar and military systems, making the alleged transfer particularly sensitive.
Belgian prosecutors are investigating possible offenses including espionage, participation in a criminal organization, misuse of company assets and the unlawful disclosure of trade secrets. Authorities have also seized electronic communications equipment and data-storage devices as they examine the evidence.
A second suspect is also being sought in connection with the investigation. Belgian officials have not publicly identified that person.
The case adds to growing European scrutiny of suspected attempts to obtain sensitive technology and intellectual property linked to China’s semiconductor sector. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the detained man have not been proven in court.
