Intel executive's home raided in Taiwan criminal probe

Wei-Jen Lo jumped to Intel from TSMC, triggering legal fight; Intel calls allegations meritless

- Yang Jie

Intel's turnaround effort is beginning to show results, with a $4.1 billion profit in the most recent quarter.

(REUTERS)

Intel, the struggling chip maker now part-owned by the U.S. government recently made an executive hire: Wei-Jen Lo, a Taiwanese engineer who has led some of the industry's biggest manufacturing breakthroughs.

But before Lo can help restore America’s semiconductor champion to its former glory, he must deal with a criminal investigation in Taiwan that has turned his job switch into a case with geopolitical implications.

Taiwanese prosecutors said Thursday that authorities raided Lo’s residences in Taiwan and seized evidence including at least one computer as part of an investigation into whether Lo improperly transferred technology related to national security. Prosecutors said a court approved their request to freeze real estate and other assets held by Lo.

His previous employer, global chip-making leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, says the executive violated noncompete and confidentiality agreements when he jumped ship. TSMC said this week it was suing Lo and alleged that he may bring trade secrets to Intel.

An Intel representative said: “Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr. Lo.” The company said It had strict controls over the transfer of confidential information. Lo couldn’t be reached directly.