TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan prosecutors on Tuesday opened a national security investigation into former TSMC R&D executive Lo Wei-jen (羅唯仁) over a suspected transfer of core technologies, per Nikkei Asia.

The High Prosecutors Office described the case as being filed against an unknown offender, a designation used when facts remain unclear. Officials said the probe aims to determine whether the individual’s actions constitute a legal breach.

A court spokesperson confirmed the investigation concerns Lo, TSMC’s former senior vice president for research and development. Prosecutors are examining whether there was any intentional or unlawful transfer of core technologies belonging to Taiwan or TSMC to a foreign entity.

Lo retired from TSMC in July but used his authority to ask subordinates to give him briefings and to take confidential documents before leaving, according to CNA. Industry sources said he has been working at Intel since October, per Liberty Times.

Intel has not confirmed the appointment and did not respond to requests for comment. TSMC also declined to comment on the investigation.

The chipmaker has previously emphasized strict internal controls over proprietary technologies and employee conduct. Taiwan’s national security law includes provisions protecting advanced semiconductor technologies.