Nanya Ex-Engineer Charged Over Smuggled Hidden Action Camera

A former senior engineer at Taiwan memory maker Nanya has been charged with allegedly stealing confidential DRAM manufacturing process documents using a hidden action camera smuggled past workplace security. Prosecutors say the man used his still-valid access credentials after submitting his resignation, filmed internal research-and-development files, and obtained dozens of sensitive records before leaving the company.

Quick facts

Company: Nanya, a Taiwan-based DRAM memory manufacturer
Accused: A senior engineer in the advanced manufacturing process development unit
Alleged method: An Insta360 X4 Air hidden between snacks to bypass entry screening
Timeline: Resigned in February 2026; allegedly returned in late March and early April
Alleged take: 32 confidential files/recordings related to DRAM production processes
Investigation trigger: Unusual wireless signal locations linked to access-control logs and the company PC
Search and evidence: Home search on June 15; action camera seized
Charges: Violation of trade secret protections and breach of trust (embezzlement/treachery)
Disclosure to outsiders: Prosecutors say they have not yet found proof of transfer to a Chinese company or other parties
Potential penalty: Under Taiwanese law, 1 to 10 years in prison for the alleged data procurement intended for use in China

The engineer had worked at Nanya since October 2022 in development for advanced manufacturing processes. Between 2025 and 2026, prosecutors allege he contacted Chinese recruiters via WeChat and asked about a better-paying job in China. He submitted his resignation in February 2026.

After leaving, the case focuses on three alleged overnight visits to the company site outside his usual working hours—March 28, and April 4 and 5. Authorities claim he hid an Insta360 X4 Air action camera inside the snacks he brought into a secured corporate area, aiming to get around entrance security checks. Reporting described these visits as occurring on days off as well as late evenings or early mornings.

Prosecutors say he used his credentials, which were still valid at the time, to sign into an internal virtual work environment. From there, he allegedly pulled up numerous research-and-development documents, and then recorded what appeared on his screen using the concealed camera. The filings allege that by the time he officially exited Nanya on April 15, he had obtained 32 files or recordings containing business secrets.

How investigators say they caught him

Nanya’s IT security team reportedly noticed inconsistencies in the pattern of activity. They compared the locations of unusual wireless signals with access-control records and with what the company computer was doing, and those mismatches led to the investigation.

On June 15, the relevant investigative authority searched the former employee’s home and seized, among other items, the action camera. The man later admitted the allegations, the reporting said. The case is now in the hands of prosecutors, who brought charges related to trade secret law violations and breach of trust.

Authorities involved in the matter say they have not yet collected evidence showing that the recorded information was actually delivered to a Chinese company or any other outside party. As a result, the indictment does not include an allegation of unauthorized disclosure—only the alleged procurement of the data for intended use in China.

Taiwanese law carries a potential prison term of between one and ten years for the alleged conduct, based on the claim that the engineer acquired the information for use in China.

Nanya response

In response to the charges, Nanya issued a brief statement saying it operates with a zero-tolerance approach toward any intellectual-property violations and theft, disclosure, or misuse of trade secrets. The company said it would pursue all appropriate legal steps against those responsible.

The case arrives while Nanya is described as being in a strong business period. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reportedly increased revenue by 684% year over year, helped primarily by higher DDR3 and DDR4 prices. Nanya is also said to be investing more in new manufacturing capacity and updated DRAM process technologies.