Photo Bloomberg
According to the prosecution, in 2014, Lau established a covert group of software developers for OnePlus in Taiwan. These specialists were involved in the development, testing, and verification of applications, but their work was carried out without the necessary licenses from regulatory authorities. Funding and salaries, it is alleged, were channeled through intermediary companies in Hong Kong.
During the investigation, two Taiwanese citizens who worked with Lau were also charged. They are accused of violating laws related to economic and labor relations with mainland China.
This investigation is taking place against the backdrop of the Taiwanese government's strict policy towards Chinese technology companies, which are prohibited from opening offices on the island and directly hiring workers without prior approval from the authorities. Sources report that similar schemes using formally independent firms in Hong Kong have already been employed by many Chinese manufacturers to circumvent existing restrictions.
OnePlus is a well-known Chinese smartphone manufacturer focused on the global market.
