Ex-ASML Russian Employee Smuggled Trade Secrets to Moscow via USB

A former employee of Dutch semiconductor firm ASML, identified as German A. (43), stands accused of smuggling sensitive trade secrets to Russia over a span of nearly nine years.

The engineer, originally from Russia, reportedly transferred confidential information using USB drives while traveling regularly to Moscow, where authorities allege he received cash payments for his actions.

Espionage Allegations and Timeline

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) contends that German A. engaged in industrial espionage between November 2015 and August 2024 while working at ASML, NXP, and Mapper Lithography, among other roles in the chip industry.

Prosecutors assert that the stolen files, including microchip manuals and other proprietary documents, may have contributed to advancing Russia’s chip production capabilities, a significant concern amid growing geopolitical tensions and international sanctions on the country’s tech sector.

The OM estimates that the suspect was paid tens of thousands of euros during his alleged operations.

They maintain that German A. regularly traveled to Moscow with USB sticks containing proprietary information, which he is believed to have handed over in exchange for cash.

Suspect’s Defense

Facing trial in June, German A. has denied having any connections to Russian intelligence services or engaging in the sale of sensitive documents.

Through his interpreter, he admitted to possessing ASML documents but claimed he held onto them only to “maintain his own knowledge and skills.”

He argued that the files in question were mostly outdated and insufficient for developing competing semiconductor technologies.

“My possession of these files could not lead to the successful replication of ASML’s advanced devices. Far more information would be required for that,” he told the court in his defense.

Pending Investigations

German A.’s lawyer, Richard Jansen, has called for further investigation ahead of the trial.

He has requested testimony from ASML to clarify how employees could gain access to sensitive documents, as well as from the suspect’s ex-partner, who has previously made incriminating statements against him.

Additionally, the defense is questioning the adequacy of the evidence linking German A. to Russian intelligence services.

While awaiting his trial, German A. remains in custody, though he has raised complaints about his treatment in prison and his inability to see his current partner for months.

The Dutch authorities have additionally imposed a 20-year entry ban on him, ensuring he cannot enter the country after his eventual release.

ASML, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, is no stranger to geopolitical scrutiny due to its critical role in the chip supply chain.

The allegations of industrial espionage underscore the increasing risks faced by high-tech firms navigating the volatile intersection of technology and international politics.

ASML has yet to publicly comment on the specifics of the investigation but is cooperating fully with authorities.

The trial, set to begin in late June, is expected to bring more details to light about the scope of the espionage and its potential implications for the semiconductor industry.

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