Belgium Detains Dual Chinese-Belgian National in Semiconductor Espionage Case

Belgium authorities are holding a 52-year-old dual Chinese-Belgian national accused of transferring sensitive semiconductor technology to China, in a case that is adding to European concerns over the security of strategically important technologies.

The man has been in pretrial detention since May in an investigation involving alleged espionage and the theft of intellectual property from Belgian semiconductor manufacturer BelGaN, according to Reuters. Belgian prosecutors said he previously held a senior position at BelGaN, a specialist producer of gallium nitride, or GaN, semiconductors that was declared bankrupt in July 2024.

The Associated Press reported that the Beijing-born suspect, who lives in Belgium, was arrested on May 10 as he prepared to board a flight from Brussels to Beijing. Prosecutors said he is being held while awaiting trial.

Prosecutors allege technology was transferred to China

Investigators suspect the man was simultaneously working in a senior research position at BelGaN and directing a Chinese company engaged in similar semiconductor manufacturing. Prosecutors said the Chinese company was established only a few months after he joined BelGaN and was financed by a Chinese investment fund, according to Reuters.

Authorities are investigating whether he used his position to illegally transfer specialized intellectual property and trade secrets involving the production of gallium nitride chips to China.

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The technology has both commercial and security implications. GaN semiconductors can operate efficiently at high voltages and frequencies and are used in electric vehicles as well as satellites, radar systems, aerospace systems and military applications. AP reported that BelGaN employed about 400 people before its bankruptcy.

The investigation includes suspected industrial espionage, participation in a criminal organization, misuse of company assets and unlawful disclosure of business secrets. Prosecutors said investigators seized data-storage devices and electronic communications equipment that are now being analyzed. A second suspect remains at large.

The suspect has denied the accusations, according to the Financial Times. Reuters reported that the Chinese Embassy in Belgium did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Belgian intelligence warns of ‘Copy to China’ strategy

The case comes as Belgian intelligence authorities are warning more broadly about efforts by China to acquire advanced European technology.

Belgium’s State Security Service, or VSSE, devoted part of its 2025 Intelligence Report to Chinese economic espionage and political interference. The agency said Beijing is seeking technological leadership in strategic sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and biotechnology and warned that Belgian companies, universities and research centers can be targets for technology acquisition.

The intelligence service described one method as “Copy to China,” in which Chinese firms invest in Belgian businesses, research centers or technology startups to gain access to specific technology before establishing operations in China capable of producing the same technology on a larger scale. The report also warned of more direct forms of economic espionage, including unauthorized access to corporate data and recruitment of people holding strategically important positions.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the BelGaN investigation is intensifying European concern over Beijing’s pursuit of industrial technology and trade secrets. The newspaper said European policymakers are considering stronger economic-security measures as governments reassess the risks surrounding Chinese investment and access to sensitive industries.

Semiconductors increasingly treated as a security issue

Concerns over Chinese access to European semiconductor technology predate the BelGaN case.

In 2016, a Chinese-backed investment vehicle sought to acquire German semiconductor-equipment maker Aixtron. The proposed transaction drew scrutiny in both Germany and the United States because Aixtron’s technology included equipment used to produce compound semiconductors such as gallium nitride.

Then-President Barack Obama ultimately blocked the acquisition of Aixtron’s U.S. business after a national-security review. The U.S. Treasury Department said the transaction posed an unresolved national-security risk related in part to the military applications of Aixtron’s semiconductor manufacturing technology.

Concerns have also surfaced around Dutch chipmaking-equipment giant ASML. In 2022, ASML warned that Chinese company Dongfang Jingyuan Electron was marketing products that could potentially infringe its intellectual property. Dongfang Jingyuan denied the allegations, calling reports of intellectual-property theft “false information,” according to Reuters.

More recently, the Netherlands intervened in Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia. In September 2025, the Dutch government invoked emergency powers after citing serious governance concerns and risks to strategically important technological knowledge and production capabilities. The Dutch government said the measure was intended to prevent crucial semiconductor technology and manufacturing capabilities from becoming unavailable to the Netherlands and Europe.