Taiwan is investigating a retired TSMC executive who recently joined Intel, the island’s economy minister said on Wednesday, after local media reported that he may have taken the chipmaker’s advanced technology data to his new employer.

Taiwanese media outlets, including the Liberty Times, reported this week that Wei-Jen Lo, who played a key role in advancing TSMC’s cutting-edge chip manufacturing technologies from 2 nanometres to 5 nanometres, allegedly took company data before joining Intel in October.

Lo did not respond to a request for comment.

National Security Concerns

Taiwan’s High Prosecutors’ Office said on Tuesday it was aware of the media reports and had opened a case to look into the matter. No formal complaint or charge has been filed.

Taiwan Economy Minister Kung Ming

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