Taiwan dismantles Chinese tech talent poaching network

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities in Taiwan announced Thursday (Aug. 7) that they dismantled a sophisticated network of illegal Chinese enterprises accused of poaching high-tech talent from the island's semiconductor industry. The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office (新竹地檢署) led an extensive investigation between July 15 and Aug. 6, mobilizing over 300 personnel to search 70 locations and question 120 individuals. This comprehensive operation targeted 16 Chinese companies allegedly involved in unauthorized recruitment activities across Taiwan's technology sector.

Officials identified at least five Chinese firms, including Beijing Chipone North Technology Co., Ltd. (北京集創北方科技股份有限公司), GoerTek Inc. (歌爾股份公司), and VNET Group, Inc. Beijing Chipone North Tech, which specializes in display and power management chip design, was previously investigated in 2021 for similar violations. The company allegedly operated through a subsidiary without proper authorization to establish a branch in Taiwan, circumventing regulatory oversight.

GoerTek Inc., listed on the Shenzhen (深圳) Stock Exchange, focuses on acoustic precision components and smart speakers for global technology markets. Authorities claim the company illegally recruited optoelectronic research and development engineers in Taiwan through unauthorized channels. The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office emphasized that these unauthorized Chinese enterprises significantly threaten Taiwan's national security and industrial development through systematic talent poaching and technology infiltration. ◼