TAIPEI, Jan 14 (Reuters) – Taiwan prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, the CEO of Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus, citing allegations of illegal business operations and recruitment activities on the island.
Taiwan’s Shilin District Prosecutors Office revealed that two Taiwanese citizens have also been indicted for assisting Lau in hiring more than 70 employees to work for OnePlus in Taiwan, violating local laws governing cross-strait business activities.
OnePlus Recruitment Controversy in Taiwan
Prosecutors stated that the employees were recruited to work on smartphone software research, development, verification, and testing.
| Company | CEO | Alleged Activity | Number of Employees Hired |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus | Pete Lau | Illegal business and recruitment in Taiwan | 70+ |
OnePlus, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, became an independent sub-brand under Oppo in 2021. Neither OnePlus nor Oppo has responded to requests for comment from Reuters, and Pete Lau could not be reached for comment.
Taiwan’s Stance on Chinese Business Activity
Taiwan has long been wary of Chinese companies operating on its soil, citing national security and intellectual property concerns. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, while Taiwan maintains its democratic governance and insists that only its citizens can decide the island’s future.
Taiwanese authorities have increasingly scrutinized Chinese firms attempting to hire local talent. According to prosecutors, some companies have used shell companies in Hong Kong or foreign entities, or dispatched staff via hiring agencies, to conceal their activities.
Broader Context: Talent Poaching in Taiwan
Taiwan’s reputation as a hub for high-tech expertise, particularly in semiconductors and software, has attracted attention from Chinese companies. In August 2025, Taiwan announced investigations into 16 Chinese firms suspected of poaching top technology talent. Authorities are particularly concerned about technology outflows that could compromise Taiwan’s competitive edge.
| Year | Investigation Focus | Number of Companies Investigated |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Semiconductor and high-tech talent poaching | 16 |
Conclusion
The arrest warrant against Pete Lau underscores Taiwan’s commitment to protecting its high-tech workforce and regulating cross-strait business operations. The case highlights the tension between Taiwan’s tech industry and Chinese companies seeking to leverage local expertise.
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