Taiwan Charges Three in TSMC Chipmaking Tech Theft Probe

Prosecutors have charged three people for allegedly stealing trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., advancing an investigation that’s cast a spotlight on the sensitive nature of chipmaking technology.

Taiwan is seeking jail terms of at least 7 years for the trio, citing a threat to the island’s national security, prosecutors said in a statement. Among those charged was a former TSMC employee, identified by the surname Chen, who attempted to gain access to the chipmaker’s confidential data while employed at Japanese equipment maker Tokyo Electron Ltd., prosecutors said. They are seeking 14 years for Chen.