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yesterday

Former ASML and NXP Employee Sentenced to Three Years for Sharing Chip Technology With Russia

The court reduced his term due to insufficient evidence of payment; his appeal window runs for 14 days.

FILE - the logo of ASML, a leading maker of semiconductor production equipment, hangs on the head office in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on Jan. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)
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Overview

  • German Aksenov, 43, was convicted by the Rotterdam District Court of computer intrusion and illegally providing technical assistance to Russia in violation of EU sanctions.
  • He admitted to copying confidential files from ASML and NXP servers in 2022–2023 and sending them to a Russian contact via the Signal messaging app.
  • Judges acquitted him of receiving payment for the files and reduced the sentence from four to three years due to insufficient evidence of remuneration.
  • ASML and NXP cooperated with authorities, leading to discovery of stolen design documents on USB sticks and hard drives at Aksenov’s home.
  • The case underscores the role of EU export controls in preventing transfers of dual-use chipmaking know-how that could strengthen Russia’s military capabilities.