Dutch Court Jails Former ASML Worker for Stealing and Sharing Trade Secrets with Russia

An ex-employee of Dutch company ASML Holding NV has been sentenced to three years in prison by a Dutch court for sharing confidential information with Russia, violating sanctions laws, and stealing trade secrets, as was reported on July 11.

The 43-year-old man, who is of Russian nationality, worked for several companies in the semiconductor industry between 2015 and 2024, including ASML and NXP Semiconductors.

Bloomberg reports that he was found guilty of providing “technical assistance” by sharing files that included details about setting up production lines for microchips with a person in Russia, meant for use in Russian manufacturing.

ASML, based in Veldhoven, is a leading producer of machines used to manufacture microchips, which are integral components of devices ranging from laptops to military drones. 

The company has been at the center of geopolitical tensions between China and the United States and has previously been targeted by data breaches. In 2023, ASML accused a Chinese employee of stealing sensitive chip data.

The sentencing follows the application of the Dutch Sanctions Act, initially enacted in 2014 and expanded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The law aims to exert pressure on Russia by increasing financial restrictions and penalizing those who share sensitive technology with Russia. 

Read more

Category

Life in Ukraine

Why Dutch Soldiers and Ukrainian Veterans Ran 2,000+ km With 12 kg on Their Backs to Kyiv

Jun 25, 2025 16:59

The Rotterdam court emphasized that sharing technology with Russia could strengthen the country’s military and strategic capabilities, indirectly affecting international security and stability, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Despite the charges, the man denied having contact with Russian intelligence or security agencies, as reported by local news agency ANP. The circumstances surrounding any financial compensation for the stolen documents remain unclear.

After serving his sentence, the man will be banned from entering the Netherlands for the next 20 years. ASML did not immediately comment on the court ruling.

Earlier, it was reported that Dutch intelligence uncovered a pro‑Russian hacker group ("Laundry Bear") engaging in cyber espionage against Western arms suppliers linked to Ukraine.

Fundraiser For Peaceful Nights

$1,500,000 towards 10 Ukrainian AI-Controlled Turrets.

Donate