A 44-year-old Russian heard today in the Rotterdam court a demand for 4 years of imprisonment against him. The man is suspected of selling company secret information from the semiconductor industry to Russia. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) accuses him of violating the Sanctions Act and embezzling trade secrets.
Notification from the AIVD
The criminal investigation was initiated following a notification from the AIVD. The suspect worked between 2015 and 2024 at several companies in the semiconductor industry, which make technology for microchips, for example. During that period, he is alleged to have copied and sold confidential documents, including information about microchip production and the requirements for building a chip factory, to Russian contacts. During trips to Russia, the suspect sold this information to his Russian contacts for cash payments. It also happened that information was shared online, for example, by sharing his Google Drive password with third parties and via a chat.
Dual-use technology
Investigations show that the suspect, from April 2021 to August 2024, deposited a total of 43,900 euros in cash into his bank account. That cash is the payment for the files provided by the suspect. From messages between the suspect and contacts in Russia, it becomes clear that they are involved in plans to set up a micro-electronics factory in Russia.
It often involved so-called dual-use technology: knowledge that can be used for both consumer products and military applications. But also technology suitable for military applications.
Seriousness of the facts
By his actions, the suspect is alleged to have violated sanctions legislation. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the sanctions measures against Russia have been expanded. These measures are intended to weaken Russias position and make warfare more difficult. The prosecutor emphasizes the seriousness of this violation: “The suspect has disregarded both international regulations and national legislation. This seriously undermines the international legal order and he has deliberately contributed to the maintenance of the violent actions committed by Russia against the Ukrainian army but especially against the civilian population.”
By sharing secret information with Russia, the suspect has contributed to maintaining or developing the Russian war machine and possibly endangered lives. Additionally, he has made a gross breach of the trust that his employers had in him by stealing and sharing their trade secrets with third parties.
Sentence demand
The Public Prosecution Service demands a prison sentence of 4 years.