Russian detained in Netherlands on suspicion of espionage and technology theft

A 43-year-old Russian citizen, a former employee of the ASML Dutch company, has been accused of stealing technologies and violating sanctions law. His identity has not been disclosed.

Source: NOS, Dutch public broadcasting organisation

Details: According to the investigation, the man is suspected of stealing documents containing technological manuals related to microchip production. These materials could allegedly assist the development of Russia's semiconductor industry.

He reportedly worked as an engineer at several Dutch chip production companies, including ASML, a global leader in semiconductor equipment since 2015. He also cooperated with other firms, including Mapper, now owned by Russia’s military drone manufacturer Astron.

Both companies are under US sanctions, which prohibit trade with them.

Intelligence services claimed the engineer participated in a scheme to help Russia bypass sanctions, earning tens of thousands of euros in compensation.

ASML has confirmed the theft of technology and is cooperating with law enforcement. 

"The stolen information, among other things, could help Russian microchip production," the report said.

The suspect remains in the Netherlands in custody, with a Rotterdam court set to determine his pretrial detention measures on 9 December.

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