In July of this year, TSMC encountered a significant breach involving the leak of its confidential 2-nanometer process technology. The incident unfolded when former TSMC engineer Chen Liming conspired with Ge Yiping and Wu Bingjun, both engineers at Hsinchu Science Park, to illicitly obtain and disclose this sensitive information to competing entities. Following the revelation of their actions, Ge Yiping chose to resign from his position, whereas Wu Bingjun faced termination. Subsequently, all three individuals have been formally charged and are now facing legal proceedings.

On December 2, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office wrapped up its investigation into the matter. As a result, it has decided to impose four additional charges against Tokyo Electron Ltd., a Japanese corporation. The prosecutors are seeking a hefty fine of NT$120 million from the company. Notably, it has come to light that Chen Liming had a prior employment history with Tokyo Electron's Taiwanese subsidiary. Furthermore, the trio of engineers implicated in the case share a common academic background, having all graduated from the same university.