A 43-year-old Russian engineer has been arrested in the Netherlands on suspicion of stealing confidential information from the Dutch company ASML Holding NV, a manufacturer of equipment used to create microchips. According to the Dutch broadcaster NOS, the engineer is accused of unauthorized access to microchip manuals and other documents, as well as violating sanctions laws.
The defendant is expected to appear before the court in Rotterdam. The Dutch authorities have taken the case particularly seriously, imposing a 20-year entry ban on the engineer.
ASML is a key player in the production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment used in high-tech devices, including electric vehicles and military systems. The company has previously experienced data leaks: last year, one of its employees was caught transmitting data to a Chinese company linked to Huawei Technologies. The case involving the Russian engineer marks another incident in a series of events undermining ASML's data security.
The engineer was employed by Mapper Lithography BV, which went bankrupt in 2018 and was acquired by ASML. Investigations revealed that over several years, he may have transferred confidential information to his contacts in Russia, earning tens of thousands of euros in return. It is believed that this information may have been used to support Russia's chip production program, including dual-use technologies applied in weapon systems.
ASML has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into its former employee. A company representative stated that the incident was reported to the relevant authorities in a timely manner but would not provide further comments during the court proceedings.
The Dutch authorities emphasize that the engineer's actions pose a national security threat. It is suspected that the transmitted data may have directly supported Russia's interests, including military developments.
