An investigation is ongoing into the theft of ASML technical information on the operation of lithographic equipment, which was carried out by a suspected former employee of the company from China. Now the investigation comes to the conclusion that the person involved in this case could act in the interests of an unnamed structure supported by the Chinese authorities.

Investigators have reason to believe that the suspected former ASML employee stole valuable technical information on an assignment and in the interests of an organization associated with the Chinese authorities. The relevant structure has already been linked to the theft of intellectual property, although the sources do not specify whether it is about Dongfang Jingyuan Electron, which appeared in another similar case.

Representatives of the United States are also participating in the investigation of the recent incident, since it may affect their national interests. It is assumed that the stolen information was subject to US export restrictions, since the technology was originally developed by US companies. The Netherlands, where ASML is headquartered, is expected to have agreed earlier this year to limit shipments to China of some equipment used in immersion lithography. The company controls more than 90% of the lithographic equipment market, so the interest in its know-how from the PRC, blocked by sanctions, is quite understandable.

For ASML, the Chinese market is the third largest after Taiwan and South Korea. The head of the company, Peter Wennink, recently stated that China would still develop all the lithographic equipment necessary for the development of the national industry, it would just take some time. The Chinese company Dongfang Jingyuan Electron, founded by a native of ASML, has previously been suspected of stealing the technical secrets of a Dutch competitor.