Taiwan Orders Arrest for OnePlus CEO Over Employment Violations

Allegations Against the Smartphone Giant for Unauthorized Hiring Practices

Authorities in Taiwan have issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, the CEO of OnePlus, following accusations of unlawfully hiring workers from Taiwan. Alongside this development, charges have been filed against two Taiwanese individuals associated with Lau. The tech firm from China is alleged to have recruited over 70 engineers from Taiwan in breach of local employment laws.

According to members from the Shilin District Prosecutor's Office, OnePlus is said to have established a placeholder company in Hong Kong under a different name. In 2015, the company purportedly began operations in Taiwan without the necessary government authorization. This Taiwanese branch was reportedly focused on research and development of their mobile phone technology. Officials claim that these maneuvers by OnePlus contravene the Cross-Strait Act, which regulates the interactions between Taiwan and mainland China, stipulating that Chinese companies must secure approval from Taiwan's authorities to employ Taiwanese nationals.