Taipei: Taiwan’s investigative agencies have issued an arrest warrant against smartphone maker OnePlus CEO Pete Lau. He is accused of the company illegally hiring a large number of engineers in violation of Taiwan’s local laws. The case is said to be linked to special legal provisions in force between Taiwan and China.
What is the case
According to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office, the investigation is focused on allegations that OnePlus illegally recruited more than 70 engineers from Taiwan. Investigative agencies say that formal charges have already been framed against two Taiwanese citizens who allegedly helped in this recruitment process.
Allegation of violation of rules
According to prosecutors, the case is related to Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Act. Under this law, any Chinese company must obtain government approval before operating in Taiwan or hiring its citizens. Investigative agencies claim that OnePlus did not follow this process.
Claims that emerged in the investigation
The investigation also states that OnePlus set up a shell company in Hong Kong and through it established a branch in Taiwan in 2015. It is alleged that no official approval of any kind was taken for this. According to prosecutors, the purpose was to hide the company’s Chinese ownership and avoid legal scrutiny.
The Taiwan government has also said that the company tried to associate local experts linked to semiconductor and electronics engineering, which is being considered sensitive from the perspective of national technological security.
Arrest status
Despite the arrest warrant being issued, officials say that the immediate arrest of Pete Lau is not possible. There is no extradition treaty between Taiwan and China. In such a situation, until Lau comes under the jurisdiction of Taiwan or its partner countries, action may remain limited.
So far, no official response has been issued by OnePlus on this matter.
