Taipei, Aug. 8 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau has launched a probe into 16 Chinese technology companies for allegedly operating in the country without proper approval, Taipei Times reported.

According to Taipei Times, officials said the firms are suspected of secretly setting up offices in Taiwan and hiring local staff without authorisation. Between July 15 and August 6, more than 300 investigators carried out searches at 70 locations in Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan and Hsinchu. Around 120 people linked to the companies were questioned during the raids.

The agency noted that Taiwan's high-tech sector is the backbone of its economy, making its talent pool a key target for Chinese businesses.

Investigators said ...