A man identified only as German A., a former employee of ASML, appeared in a Rotterdam court on Thursday, facing serious charges of industrial espionage aimed at stealing sensitive chip-making secrets for Russia. ASML, based in the Netherlands, is recognized as the leading manufacturer of equipment used in semiconductor fabrication, crucial for the production of advanced processors.
The Netherlands General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) has alleged that German A. made multiple trips to Russia, where he met with intelligence operatives and shared confidential information pertinent to ASML’s operations. According to the AIVD, the accused previously worked for both ASML and the Dutch semiconductor giant NXP, which adds credibility to the claims of having insider access to industry secrets. Reports also reveal that he allegedly communicated with the Russian Innovative Engineering Center, an organization aimed at advancing chip technology.
In a striking revelation, Dutch intelligence sources claim that German A. uploaded proprietary information to Google Drive, ostensibly to share with his Russian contacts. Local media reported that he had been carrying USB thumb drives filled with trade secrets into Russia, raising concerns about the possibility of compromising critical technologies. Despite his admission to possessing certain ASML documents, German A. contends that he only sought to enhance his personal knowledge and asserts that the files were outdated and devoid of value for anyone involved in semiconductor manufacturing.
During the ongoing trial, reports indicate that the defendant’s attorney is keen to summon ASML executives to testify about the company’s internal protocols regarding the handling of advanced chip-making information. This testimony may shed light on the accessibility of such sensitive documents to employees. The situation has intensified scrutiny over security practices within high-stakes industries like semiconductor manufacturing, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions.
German A. relocated to the Netherlands in 2015 after obtaining a position at the now-defunct electron-beam lithography startup Mapper, which was later acquired by ASML. Although he is named on several ASML patents, his professional performance raised concerns, leading to his layoff in 2021. Following this, he worked at NXP and later at Delft University.
The investigation into his activities began with a tip-off from intelligence services, leading to his arrest in August 2024. Authorities reportedly discovered confidential ASML materials on his personal computer, along with documentation related to Taiwanese chip-maker TSMC. ASML has declined to comment on the ongoing case, emphasizing that legal proceedings are still underway. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for security protocols in the semiconductor industry.