Texas Tech Giants Sued Over Alleged Role in Supplying Russian Weaponry

Five lawsuits have been filed against Texas-based companies, accusing them of indirectly supplying technology that has been used in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. The suits allege that these companies failed to prevent their semiconductors and microchips from reaching Russia, where they were incorporated into weapons systems that have caused civilian casualties.

Key Takeaways

• Two Texas-based companies and two with significant operations in the state are named in the lawsuits.
• The suits allege that the companies’ technology was used in Russian weapons systems targeting Ukraine.
• Plaintiffs are victims of strikes, including children, seeking over $1 million in damages.
• Companies named include Texas Instruments, Mouser Electronics, Advanced Micro Devices, and Intel Corporation.

Allegations Against Tech Companies

The legal actions target Dallas-based Texas Instruments and Mansfield-based Mouser Electronics, along with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel Corporation, both of which have substantial operations in Texas. Attorneys claim that evidence, including "black boxes" from downed drones, shows the presence of chips manufactured or distributed by these American firms. These microchips are described as crucial components that guide missiles and drones used in attacks.

The lawsuits assert that the technology was funneled to Russia through intermediaries in Iran and China, ultimately being used in Iranian drones like the Shahed 131 and Russian missiles such as the Iskander-M and Kh-101. The plaintiffs’ claims include negligence, conspiracy to violate export restrictions, and wrongful death, arguing that the companies had a duty of care to prevent their products from aiding Russia’s war efforts.

Company Responses and Legal Claims

Intel has stated that it does not conduct business in Russia and suspended all shipments to the country and Belarus at the outset of the war. The company emphasized its adherence to export laws and sanctions, adding that it holds its partners to the same standards. Intel declined to comment on the pending litigation.

Mouser Electronics issued a brief statement indicating respect for the legal process and a commitment to responding in court. KERA News is awaiting responses from the other named defendants.

Attorneys involved in the case highlighted the devastating impact of the attacks in Ukraine, expressing dismay that American companies might have continued supplying components that enabled civilian deaths. The victims, including children as young as three, are seeking substantial damages for the harm they have suffered.

Sources

• Texas companies supplied technology used in Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, lawsuits allege, KERA News.