Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. terminated multiple engineers and launched legal proceedings after discovering alleged theft of critical 2-nanometer chip technology, marking the first major semiconductor espionage case under Taiwan’s enhanced national security laws.
Taiwan prosecutors detained six engineers last month on charges of stealing national core technology, with three suspects accused of leaking hundreds of process integration photographs. The case involves national security implications, given that TSMC’s 2nm process is the world’s most advanced.
Sources familiar with the matter told Nikkei that former TSMC employees attempted to access confidential information on 2-nanometer development and production. The leaked data allegedly involved employees who joined Japanese semiconductor equipment maker Tokyo Electron Limited, with information potentially passed to Japan’s state-backed Rapidus project.
TSMC’s 2nm technology represents the pinnacle of current chip manufacturing, with production costs reaching $30,000 per wafer—66% more expensive than 3nm chips. The company plans to begin mass production later this year, competing against Samsung, Intel, and Rapidus in the advanced node race.
Under Taiwan’s National Security Act, violators face up to 12 years imprisonment and fines reaching NT$100 million ($3.3 million). The breach underscores growing concerns about intellectual property protection in Taiwan’s strategically vital semiconductor industry.
