After internal checks flagged irregular activity, Taiwanese prosecutors detained three people over the alleged theft of TSMC’s trade secrets. The group includes current and former staff. Meanwhile, officials questioned others, with some released on bail. The TSMC chip secrets theft case remains active, and investigators continue to gather evidence.
Clear legal footing, limited detail
Prosecutors say they are using national security and trade-secret laws. However, they have not released full names, which is standard in such cases. In addition, they indicated that searches and interviews formed part of the work tied to the TSMC chip secrets theft inquiry. The focus, for now, stays on facts that can be verified.
Company response and safeguards
TSMC says its monitoring systems picked up unusual activity. As a result, the firm opened internal probes, took disciplinary steps, and pursued legal action. The company also reiterates a zero-tolerance stance on trade-secret abuse. Furthermore, it has pledged to work with prosecutors while protecting key process know-how central to its lead in chip making.
Why this matters for supply chains
TSMC builds advanced chips for phones, data centres, and AI tools. Therefore, any leak of process knowledge could affect costs and delivery times across the tech sector. For South African readers, shifts in global chip supply can influence device prices, local roll-outs, and investment flows. Still, the confirmed facts remain narrow: three detentions, several interviews, and an ongoing TSMC chip secrets theft probe.
What to expect next
Looking ahead, courts will decide on continued detention and any charges. Until then, neither prosecutors nor the company have set a public timeline. Consequently, further updates will follow only when confirmed through official steps. Newsroom will track the case and publish verified details as they emerge.
