A former Asahi Kasei employee was indicted by the Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office for sending confidential information to a Chinese company. He reportedly told investigators that he sought to maintain his high compensation and position after retirement.
In a case involving Asahi Kasei confidential information being passed to a Chinese company, the Nagoya District Public Prosecutors Office indicted a former male employee for violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. The charges include sending confidential information multiple times after his retirement.
The indicted defendant, Furukawa Shoichi (古川祥一), joined Asahi Kasei as a new graduate and served as a plant manager and business head before retiring in 2018. In May last year, 6 years after his retirement, he entered into a consulting agreement with a Chinese company through a corporation established by his wife and received substantial compensation in China.
Furukawa said in his statement that he disclosed the information to demonstrate his knowledge and experience, explaining that he sought to maintain his position as an expert because of the favorable compensation. He reportedly also had a dedicated assistant who accompanied him for transportation and interpretation in China.
According to the prosecutors’ office, Furukawa has largely admitted to the charges. The indictment has been reported in connection with the circumstances surrounding a former employee’s transmission of confidential information over an extended period.