November 28, 2025 – On Thursday, prosecutors in Taiwan announced that investigators had carried out a raid on two residences of Luo Weiren, a former high – ranking executive of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and seized his computer equipment. This action was triggered by TSMC’s accusation that Luo was suspected of leaking trade secrets, while Intel, Luo’s current employer, has firmly denied these allegations.
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, declared on Tuesday that it had filed a lawsuit against Luo, its former senior vice – president, with the Intellectual Property and Commercial Court in Taiwan.
The Intellectual Property Division of the Taiwan Prosecutors’ Office stated in a declaration that Luo was suspected of violating Taiwan’s laws. On Wednesday afternoon, investigators, armed with search warrants, raided his two homes, confiscating computers, USB storage devices, and other relevant evidence. The court also approved the prosecutors’ application to freeze Luo’ stocks and real – estate properties under his name, according to the statement.
As of the time of reporting, neither Luo Weiren nor Intel had made any comments on this matter.
Earlier on Thursday, Intel officially refuted TSMC’s accusations. In an email statement, the company said, “Based on the currently available information, we have no reason to believe that the allegations against Mr. Luo Weiren have any substantial basis.”
Intel stressed that it has strict policies and control mechanisms in place to prohibit the use or transfer of any third – party confidential information and intellectual property. “We take these commitments very seriously,” the company stated.
The US chipmaker pointed out that Luo had rejoined Intel and was widely respected in the semiconductor industry for his integrity, outstanding leadership, and profound technical expertise. “The mobility of talent among enterprises is a common and healthy phenomenon in our industry, and this case is no exception,” the company added.
It is known that Luo once led TSMC’s mass production of advanced – process chips such as 5 – nanometer, 3 – nanometer, and 2 – nanometer ones. After ending his 21 – year career at TSMC in October this year, he retired and immediately joined Intel. Notably, his semiconductor career began at Intel. From 1986 to 2004, he worked at Intel for 18 years before moving to TSMC.
TSMC previously stated in its declaration, “There is a high probability that Luo Weiren has used, leaked, disclosed, or transferred TSMC’s trade secrets and confidential information to Intel, so it is necessary to resort to legal means.”
