CXMT accused of using leaked Samsung tech
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A former Samsung employee testified CXMT sought Samsung's core DRAM tech from the start. The case could bolster Samsung's ITC complaint against the Chinese memory maker.
Background
The investigation into alleged technology leaks began in January 2024, and by December 2025 prosecutors indicted 10 people, including a former Samsung employee named Jeon and several CXMT development staff. They were accused of leaking South Korea's national core technology. In April 2026, a court sentenced Jeon to seven years in prison. CXMT is said to have achieved mass production of 10nm-class DRAM in 2023 after recruiting former Samsung executives and employees, allegedly modifying and testing the acquired process information for its Chinese facilities.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2024Investigation into alleged technology leaks begins.
- Dec 2025Prosecutors indict 10 people, including Jeon and several CXMT development staff.
- Apr 2026A court sentences Jeon to seven years in prison.
- Aug 2026Jeon's testimony is reported, claiming CXMT sought Samsung's core DRAM technology from the beginning.
Who’s saying what
- Prosecution
- The defendants leaked South Korea's national core technology to CXMT.
- Defendant
- CXMT had no intention of developing its own technology from the beginning; they had no lab, no equipment.
Still unverified
The claim that CXMT sought Samsung's technology from the beginning is based on Jeon's testimony, which has not been independently verified. CXMT has not publicly responded to these allegations.