Taiwan reportedly issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, accusing him of illegally running a business and hiring local tech workers on the island in violation of laws that govern ties with mainland China.
The move seems to be part of Taiwan’s growing crackdown on Chinese companies allegedly poaching high‑tech talent, a key concern for its crucial semiconductor-led economy.
What Taiwan alleges
According to Taiwan’s Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office, a document dated November 2025 stated two Taiwanese citizens have been indicted for helping Lau operate an unapproved business and recruit more than 70 employees in Taiwan for OnePlus.
Prosecutors say these staff were hired to work on smartphone software research and development, verification and testing work for the Chinese smartphone brand.
The case falls under Taiwan’s Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, or the Cross-Strait Act, which restricts how Chinese firms can operate and recruit on the island.
OnePlus, Oppo response
OnePlus, headquartered in Shenzhen in southern China, became an independent sub‑brand under Oppo in 2021, though both firms remain part of the broader BBK group of smartphone makers.
Reports say Oppo and OnePlus have not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and Reuters and other outlets operating in the region were unable to reach Lau for comment.
Some local and tech media also report that prosecutors suspect a Hong Kong shell company and an unapproved Taiwan branch were used to carry out hiring and R&D activities, but these operational details were not confirmed by agencies.
In August 2025, Taiwan said it was investigating 16 Chinese companies for allegedly poaching semiconductor and other high‑tech talent, including through shell companies and hiring agencies to hide links to the mainland. Authorities said such probes are aimed at stopping technology outflows and protecting Taiwan’s lead in chips and advanced electronics.