Nine out of 10 industrial technology leak cases uncovered in South Korea this year were committed by insiders — executives, employees and researchers who worked at the victim companies at the time of the offense.
A total of 77 industrial technology leak cases were referred to prosecutors through August this year, according to National Police Agency data submitted to Rep. Kwon Young-jin of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, on the 2nd. A total of 162 people were referred to prosecutors in those cases.
Insiders accounted for 68 cases, or 88.3% of the total, while outsiders were responsible for just nine cases, or 11.7%. Police classify insiders as executives, employees and researchers who belonged to the victim company at the time of the leak.
The targets were not limited to advanced industries such as semiconductors and displays. Through August, machinery technology leaks numbered 12 cases, double the six cases involving semiconductors. Automobiles and railways accounted for six cases, while electrical and electronic technology and information and communications and software each accounted for five. Shipbuilding and biotechnology each saw three cases.
"Smaller companies can be vulnerable in technology security and personnel management because of cost constraints, so the government needs to strengthen investigative capacity while also providing effective support," Kwon said.
