Taiwan probes 11 Chinese firms for illegal talent poaching

Authorities in Taiwan have launched a coordinated investigation into 11 companies from China suspected of illegally poaching semiconductor and high-tech talent. This month, more than 185 agents searched 49 locations and questioned 90 individuals as part of a crackdown on unauthorized recruitment activities targeting local engineers. The Investigation Bureau reported that the firms under scrutiny frequently disguised their ownership structures by establishing operations under the names of foreign-funded shell companies or setting up offices without official authorization. These tactics allegedly allowed them to bypass legal hurdles to conduct business and recruit talent.

"Chinese companies under investigation disguised their ownership by setting up operations in Taiwan under the names of foreign-funded shell firms, or by establishing offices without authorisation, to recruit talent and conduct business illegally in Taiwan."