**The CEO Faces Allegations of Hiring Engineers from Taiwan Illegally**
Taiwanese authorities have launched an arrest warrant for OnePlus co-founder and CEO Pete Lau amid claims of unlawful business activities and hiring procedures within the nation. Reports indicate that OnePlus allegedly recruited more than 70 engineers from Taiwan without acquiring the necessary governmental approval, breaching Taiwan’s Cross-Strait business regulations. The firm is accused of utilizing a Hong Kong shell company to carry out unauthorized R&D activities in Taiwan.
The Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office in Taiwan alleges that OnePlus has engaged in unlawful hiring practices since 2014. Moreover, two engineers from Taiwan have been charged in connection with this case. According to Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Act, Chinese firms cannot engage in business or recruit personnel in Taiwan without clear government consent. OnePlus, which has its base in Shenzhen, China, reportedly did not obtain such consent, resulting in the arrest warrant issued for Lau.
It is claimed that OnePlus established a shell company in Hong Kong and opened a branch in Taiwan in 2015 without the required government clearance. This branch reportedly conducted research and development, along with verification and testing activities for OnePlus smartphones, actions prosecutors assert violated prevailing cross-strait agreements.
In light of the allegations, OnePlus has declared that its business activities proceed as usual and are not impacted. From Taiwan’s viewpoint, this case is seen as a matter of national security, as the nation emphasizes the protection of its technological ecosystem and aims to hinder the movement of talent and intellectual property to China.
Although similar instances have occurred previously, Lau’s role is particularly notable given his position as CEO of OnePlus and Chief Product Officer at Oppo. The Ministry of Justice in Taiwan has yet to release a public statement regarding this issue.