Taiwan Issues Arrest Warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau Over Alleged Illegal Hiring Activities
Taiwan’s law enforcement agencies have moved to intensify scrutiny of cross-border business activities involving Chinese technology firms after prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, the chief executive officer of smartphone maker OnePlus. The action follows allegations that the company carried out unauthorised operations and recruitment in Taiwan, potentially breaching local laws designed to regulate economic and technological engagement with China.
The case has drawn attention not only because of OnePlus’s global brand recognition, but also because it highlights Taiwan’s growing concern over the movement of high-value technology and skilled labour across the Taiwan Strait.
What the Prosecutors Are Alleging
According to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office in Taipei, two Taiwanese nationals have been formally charged for allegedly assisting Pete Lau in running business operations and hiring staff in Taiwan without proper approval. Prosecutors claim that more than 70 employees were recruited to work on smartphone software research, application development, verification and testing on behalf of OnePlus.
Under Taiwanese law, companies from mainland China are subject to special restrictions when conducting business or hiring local workers. These rules are meant to protect sensitive technology, ensure transparency, and prevent unauthorised commercial activities that could create national security or economic risks.
The prosecutors’ document, dated November 2025, was made public this week after being reported by local media. Based on the findings, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, indicating that they believe there is sufficient evidence to justify further legal action.
Why Taiwan Has Strict Rules on Chinese Firms
Taiwan and China have a complex and sensitive relationship. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan operates as a self-governed democracy. This political tension has led Taiwan to create a legal framework that carefully regulates business and technology cooperation with companies based in mainland China.
One of the biggest concerns for Taipei is the outflow of high-tech expertise, especially in sectors like semiconductors, software, and advanced electronics. Taiwan is a global leader in chip manufacturing and high-end engineering, making it a prime target for overseas firms seeking skilled professionals.
In recent years, Taiwanese authorities have accused some Chinese companies of trying to bypass restrictions by using shell companies, overseas subsidiaries, or third-party hiring agencies to recruit local engineers without declaring their true employer.
A government investigation in August 2025 revealed that 16 Chinese companies were being examined for allegedly poaching Taiwanese talent, particularly in the semiconductor and advanced technology fields.
OnePlus and Its Place in the Global Smartphone Market
OnePlus is a well-known smartphone brand headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Originally founded as an independent startup, it became an independent sub-brand under Oppo in 2021, part of the larger BBK Electronics group that also owns brands such as Vivo and Realme.
OnePlus markets itself as a premium yet value-focused smartphone maker, with a strong following in markets such as India, Europe, and North America. Its devices are known for fast performance, custom software features, and close ties to Android development.
The company’s growing emphasis on software optimisation and testing is a key reason why it would seek engineers and developers with advanced technical skills—an area where Taiwan has a strong global reputation.
Response From the Company
As of now, OnePlus and Oppo have not issued any public response to the allegations. Pete Lau could not be reached for comment following the release of the prosecutors’ statement.
Under Taiwanese law, issuing an arrest warrant does not imply guilt but signals that investigators want to question or detain a suspect in connection with a criminal case. Whether Lau will appear voluntarily, contest the charges, or face extradition questions remains unclear.
The Bigger Picture: Technology, Talent and Geopolitics
The case against OnePlus is part of a wider trend in which Taiwan is tightening oversight of technology-related activities involving mainland Chinese companies. Authorities argue that unregulated recruitment could allow sensitive know-how to leave the island, weakening its competitive advantage and potentially raising security risks.
From Beijing’s perspective, Taiwan’s restrictions are often seen as politically motivated. However, Taipei maintains that the rules apply to all companies equally and are aimed at safeguarding local industries and workers.
The situation also places multinational technology firms in a difficult position. Many Chinese smartphone brands rely on cross-border collaboration for software testing, chip design, and hardware integration. But as regional tensions rise, these companies face growing legal and regulatory hurdles.
What Happens Next
Taiwanese prosecutors will continue gathering evidence and questioning those involved. The two Taiwanese citizens who allegedly facilitated the hiring process are already facing charges, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
For OnePlus, the outcome could influence how it conducts research and development in the region and how closely its operations are monitored by regulators.
Conclusion
The arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau marks a significant escalation in Taiwan’s efforts to enforce its laws governing business and technology ties with China. While the case focuses on alleged illegal hiring, it also reflects broader anxieties about talent drain, data security, and economic sovereignty.
As investigations move forward, the technology industry will be watching closely to see how this high-profile legal battle shapes future cross-border cooperation between Taiwanese engineers and Chinese tech firms.
