TSMC formally sues ex-SVP over alleged transfer of secrets to Intel

[siliconbruh999]

If the dude really did something than he would sell his entire stock before moving to Intel but he didn't.

 

[Xebec]

If the dude really did something than he would sell his entire stock before moving to Intel but he didn't.

He was a pretty high up executive; stock sales (at least in the US) often require disclosure and to be scheduled (months?) in advance.

You raise a good point - but it's also possible that this process precluded him selling in time before switching over to Intel.

 

[hist78]

If the dude really did something than he would sell his entire stock before moving to Intel but he didn't.

It might be important, but it might also be irrelevant. In a criminal investigation, the most important factor is what a person actually DID.

 

[siliconbruh999]

You raise a good point - but it's also possible that this process precluded him selling in time before switching over to Intel.

You can't do such a switch just in a moment he must have thought of something

It might be important, but it might also be irrelevant. In a criminal investigation, the most important factor is what a person actually DID.

Yes but so far there hasn't been proof even the raid didn't found any evidence

 

[lilo777]

He was a pretty high up executive; stock sales (at least in the US) often require disclosure and to be scheduled (months?) in advance.

You raise a good point - but it's also possible that this process precluded him selling in time before switching over to Intel.

As I understand, the restrictions on high executives stock sales are there to preventt insider trading. Once he was out, he was not privy to internal TSMC information. Would he still be constrained in stock sales?

 

[siliconbruh999]

As I understand, the restrictions on high executives stock sales are there to preventt insider trading. Once he was out, he was not privy to internal TSMC information. Would he still be constrained in stock sales?

every country has different law so maybe there is a cooldown period or something

 

[Daniel Nenni]

According to Grok:

Wei-Jen Lo's TSMC Stock Holdings
Based on the latest reports from the ongoing legal proceedings (as of November 29, 2025), Wei-Jen Lo (also known as Lo Wei-Jen or 羅唯仁) holds approximately NT$1.8 billion worth of TSMC common shares. This valuation reflects the court's asset preservation order issued on November 26, 2025, which froze these holdings as part of an investigation into alleged trade secret leaks. The freeze prevents Lo from selling, transferring, or accessing the shares during the probe.

Key Details​

• Value and Context: The NT$1.8 billion (roughly US$56 million at current exchange rates) is part of a broader NT$2 billion asset seizure that also includes real estate. This amount is based on TSMC's market price at the time of the court approval and represents Lo's entire disclosed TSMC equity portfolio.
• Number of Shares: Exact share counts are not publicly detailed in filings or media, as Lo is not a board member or top executive required to report under Taiwan's >10% ownership thresholds (per TWSE regulations). Estimates suggest around 2-3 million shares, but this is approximate and tied to the NT$1.8B valuation—TSMC's ADR (TSM) closed at ~US$185/share (or ~NT$600/ADS equivalent) on November 29, 2025.
• Historical Holdings: No prior public disclosures exist for Lo's exact ownership, but as a 21-year TSMC veteran (retired July 2025), his stake likely accumulated via long-term incentives, bonuses, and RSUs common for senior VPs in the industry.
• Current Status: The shares remain owned by Lo but are under judicial freeze. No voluntary sales have occurred, and any liquidation would require court approval if the case proceeds to damages.

Implications​

This seizure stems from TSMC's November 25, 2025, lawsuit in Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, alleging Lo breached non-compete and confidentiality clauses by joining Intel as EVP in October 2025. Prosecutors raided Lo's homes on November 26, seizing devices for evidence. Intel has denied wrongdoing, calling the claims meritless.

 

[Xebec]

You know I'll just take a moment here to show respect to anyone who accumulates 8+ digit (USD$) wealth legally. kudos Wei-Jen Lo.

 

[M. Y. Zuo]

It’s hard to imagine there’s no vetting procedure at Intel before being hired at such a rank that includes at least one call to TSMC HQ to double check…

 

[MKWVentures]

It’s hard to imagine there’s no vetting procedure at Intel before being hired at such a rank that includes at least one call to TSMC HQ to double check…

100% agree.

Only explaination is that TSMC people reported him taking classified documents AFTER they heard he was hired at Intel.

Taking classified documents by people leaving their job has happened before. Maybe he has the documents stored in his Garage in Delaware or at Mar-a-lago. Special council to be named depending on Wei Jens political party (KMT/DPP)

 

[lilo777]

It’s hard to imagine there’s no vetting procedure at Intel before being hired at such a rank that includes at least one call to TSMC HQ to double check…

I think Intel already knew his employment history. What was there to confirm? Do you think TSMC called Intel when he moved from Intel to TSMC?

 

[lilo777]

100% agree.

Only explaination is that TSMC people reported him taking classified documents AFTER they heard he was hired at Intel.

Taking classified documents by people leaving their job has happened before. Maybe he has the documents stored in his Garage in Delaware or at Mar-a-lago. Special council to be named depending on Wei Jens political party (KMT/DPP)

Have you ever heard about classified personal notes? I am curious what the company's process for such classification would be.

 

[DepthFirst]

TSMC and Taiwan should tread very carefully here. While it’s already been established that TSMC has a large range of options when it comes to retaliation to Intel, ultimately it’s the US that possesses escalation dominance here. And Trump will most certainly be unsympathetic to TSMC.