TSMC 2nm Trade Secrets Leaked in Major Espionage Incident, Suspicions Point to Japanese Chip Firms
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading semiconductor foundry, is facing a significant breach of its intellectual property as internal trade secrets specifically related to its cutting-edge 2nm process node were leaked by employees in what appears to be a highly coordinated operation. The incident has triggered national and industrial concern due to both the scale and the potential international implications, with allegations now suggesting possible involvement of Japanese chipmakers, including Rapidus.
According to a new report by Taiwan Economic Daily, nine engineers involved in the leak have already been arrested. These individuals were caught in a coffee shop, allegedly using unauthorized techniques to extract and photograph confidential data. The engineers, who worked remotely on company-issued laptops, accessed the sensitive internal databases of TSMC from their homes. They reportedly took pictures of over 400 images containing detailed information on TSMC's 2nm process, including trial production and technological blueprints. What is especially alarming is how efficiently the breach was executed employees were logged in for just three minutes at a time, focusing solely on the 2nm documentation.
This raises serious concerns about the company's cybersecurity protocols and internal monitoring systems, especially in the context of remote work. TSMC's 2nm process represents the forefront of chip manufacturing innovation, and any leakage of its specifications can provide a significant technological advantage to competitors or nation-states aiming to catch up in the semiconductor race.
While earlier speculation pointed fingers at geopolitical rivals such as China or Russia, Taiwanese sources now claim that Japanese semiconductor interests may be involved, specifically highlighting Rapidus, Japan’s state-supported semiconductor venture. One of the arrested engineers is a former employee of Tokyo Electron, one of Japan's largest chip equipment suppliers, further deepening suspicions that the stolen data might have been passed on to Japanese firms.
Rapidus has recently made notable progress in its own 2nm development program, and while no direct evidence has been publicly disclosed to confirm data transfer, the timing and rapid acceleration of their projects have fueled speculation. However, until formal investigations are concluded, such links remain allegations.
This case underscores the increasing geopolitical importance of semiconductor IP and the vulnerability of even the most advanced technology firms in the face of insider threats. It also serves as a wake-up call for TSMC and similar firms to reevaluate their internal security protocols, especially concerning remote access, data compartmentalization, and device management.
With global powers ramping up investments in semiconductor independence, incidents like this risk destabilizing industrial trust and fostering suspicion among international partners. TSMC is now under immense pressure not only to secure its existing processes but also to ensure that its future roadmap is insulated from espionage and unauthorized leaks.
What do you think about the possibility of international rivals benefiting from insider leaks in the chip industry? Is it time for global enforcement on semiconductor IP protection?
