nuSep 7, 2026, 11:54

Former executive of Belgian chipmaker suspected of spying for China

A former executive of the bankrupt Belgian chipmaker Belgan has been arrested on charges of espionage and fraud for allegedly leaking trade secrets to a Chinese company. Prosecutors suggest that the company's 2021 takeover was part of a calculated effort to transfer sensitive technology to China.

A former executive at the now-bankrupt Belgian chip manufacturer Belgan, identified as H.L., was arrested at Zaventem Airport in May while attempting to travel to Beijing. He faces multiple charges, including espionage, the misappropriation of trade secrets, and bankruptcy fraud. Authorities allege that H.L. facilitated the transfer of sensitive chip production technology from Belgan to a Chinese firm named Gankoo, which he also served in a leadership role. Prosecutors suspect the 2021 acquisition of Belgan by Chinese interests was a strategic move to siphon off proprietary technology before the company's eventual collapse in 2024. The investigation is ongoing, with scrutiny also falling on former CEO Alan Zhen Zhou for his potential involvement in these activities. Similar concerns regarding the theft of chip production information have surfaced elsewhere, including a recent investigation into a former employee of the Dutch company ASML who is accused of leaking technical data to Russia.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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