A 43-year-old Russian man has been sentenced to three years in prison by a court in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He was found guilty of breaking international sanctions by sharing sensitive information from Dutch tech giant ASML with someone in Russia.
The man’s name was not made public due to Dutch privacy rules. The case was handled in a court located in the Dutch port city. During the trial, the man admitted to copying important files and sending them through the encrypted messaging app Signal. He said he didn’t consider whether it was legal to send these files.
“I didn’t ask myself if these files were allowed to be sent to Russia,” the man reportedly told the court. “Yes, I gave advice,” he added.
While he was convicted for sharing protected information, the court cleared him of charges related to receiving payment. According to the judgement, there was no solid proof that he was paid in return for the data.
The court made it clear in its statement that such actions could have serious consequences. “Giving advice and sharing technology with Russia is extremely serious,” the written ruling said. “It can help strengthen the country’s military and strategic power. That has consequences for Ukraine and for international peace and security.”
What Makes This Case So Important?
ASML is a world leader in making machines used to create computer chips. These chips are found in many modern technologies—everything from smartphones to military drones. Because of how powerful and advanced these chips are, they’re tightly controlled and protected by export laws.
The suspect shared information about how to set up a microchip production line in Russia. This is highly sensitive knowledge. These kinds of chips can also be used in military equipment, including drones used by the Russian military in the war against Ukraine.
ASML is one of the Netherlands’ most valuable companies. It has billions of euros in annual sales. The company creates technology that very few others in the world can match. Because of this, ASML’s products and knowledge are often targets for espionage and illegal sharing.
In recent years, ASML has faced restrictions on exporting its machines to certain countries. These rules are part of efforts led by the United States to limit access to advanced chip-making tools, especially in countries like China and Russia.
ASML has not made any public comments on this specific case. The company was not part of the trial, but its name and technology were central to the charges.
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A Pattern of Espionage in Dutch High-Tech Industry
This is not the first time the Dutch high-tech sector has been the focus of illegal activity. In 2020, the Dutch domestic intelligence service revealed that it had caught two Russian spies trying to gather scientific and tech secrets from Dutch companies.
One of those spies was reportedly interested in artificial intelligence, semiconductor chips, and nanotechnology. These technologies can be used in both civilian products and military systems, making them highly attractive targets for foreign agents.
The recent conviction highlights once again how sensitive and valuable tech knowledge is. In today’s digital world, stealing or sharing this kind of information without permission can affect national security, global peace, and military strength.
The convicted man showed no emotion as the court announced his sentence. A Russian-language interpreter read the decision to him over a speakerphone. He now has 14 days to file an appeal if he chooses to challenge the court’s decision.
This case adds to growing concerns about how technology is being used and misused in times of conflict. It shows how even one person with access to critical knowledge can cause serious issues if they break the law.