National Key Technology Overseas Leakage Crimes Intensively Crackdown
An incident occurred where Samsung Electronics' self-developed 20-nanometer-class DRAM semiconductor manufacturing technology was leaked to China.
In this case, the police apprehended 25 suspects and confiscated 1.8 billion KRW.
The value of the leaked technological information has been confirmed to amount to a staggering 4.3 trillion KRW.
In response to the overseas technology leakage crimes that seriously threaten the competitiveness of domestic industries, the police have launched a full-scale response.
On the 23rd, the National Investigation Department of the National Police Agency announced that from the 24th, they would conduct an intensive crackdown on the overseas leakage and facilitation of national core technologies and other important technologies for 100 days.
Status of Technology Leakage Crimes and Countermeasures
According to the National Investigation Department, from 2021 to June of this year, a total of 78 overseas technology leakage incidents have occurred, among which 19 cases involve the leakage of national core technologies.
By year, the incidents are rising: 9 cases in 2021, 12 in 2022, 22 in 2023, 27 in 2024, and 8 cases (up to June) in 2025.
In particular, looking at the countries targeted for technology leakage last year, China predominated with 20 cases, followed by the United States with 3, Japan with 1, Vietnam with 1, Germany with 1, and Iran with 1.
The police plan to strengthen crackdowns considering that the amendment of the Industrial Technology Protection Act will relax the criteria for technology leakage crimes and include introduction, facilitation, and inducement as punishable offenses.
To enhance the effect of the crackdown, a cooperative network with domestic and international related agencies will be established, and the intention to fully recover criminal proceeds has been expressed strongly.
A National Investigation Department official emphasized, "Through intensive crackdowns, we will practically support the new government's policy goal of economic and industrial leap, and ensure that no economic benefits can be obtained through technology leakage."
He also urged active reporting from affected companies and citizens, stating, "Technology leakage crimes often occur discreetly, making it difficult to recognize such incidents from the outside."
Image sources: Insight, News1
