Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-28 13:54Core Points - Taiwan's "High Prosecutors Office" is investigating a case of technology theft involving TSMC's 2nm core technology, where former engineer Chen Liming allegedly stole data after moving to Tokyo Electron (TEL) [1][3] - The prosecution has charged Chen Liming, along with current TSMC engineers Wu Bingjun and Ge Yiping, with violations of the "Security Law" and trade secrets, seeking prison sentences ranging from 7 to 14 years [1][4] - TSMC is one of only four companies globally, alongside Samsung, Intel, and Rapidus, actively developing 2nm technology, with mass production expected to start in the second half of 2025 [1][3] Investigation Details - The case involves nine individuals, including three engineers from the 2nm trial production and six from the R&D support department, who accessed confidential data during remote work [3][4] - The investigation began when TSMC detected unusual network activity, leading to the discovery of employees improperly accessing internal systems to capture and transmit confidential technology [3][4] - TSMC initially monitored the involved engineers before reporting the case to authorities, resulting in a successful sting operation at a Starbucks where the theft was occurring [4] Industry Impact - The leak of TSMC's core technology could significantly alter the competitive landscape of the global semiconductor industry [1] - TEL, a key partner of Japan's chip initiative Rapidus, has already terminated the employment of a Taiwanese employee involved in the incident and is cooperating with the investigation [4]