Former sales chief at drone giant DJI detained in bribery investigation

A former high-ranking executive at the Chinese technology giant DJI has been criminally detained on suspicion of accepting bribes, marking a significant escalation in the company’s long-standing battle against internal corruption.

Yuan, who served as the vice-president of sales for the Shenzhen-based firm between May 2019 and May 2024, was detained by public security authorities earlier this month. The news was first reported by the Chinese digital publication Jiemian News, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Allegations of ‘Illicit Gains’

According to public records and reports from Jiemian News, Yuan was “fully responsible” for the company’s global sales strategy during his five-year tenure. He is now accused of abusing his senior position to solicit and accept bribes as a non-state employee—a specific criminal charge under Chinese law often levelled at executives in the private sector.

While the exact figure has not been disclosed, investigators have described the scale of the alleged corruption as involving “huge amounts of illicit gains.” The case is currently moving through judicial proceedings in China.

A Pattern of Internal Scrutiny

DJI, which controls over 70% of the world’s consumer drone market, has a history of aggressive internal policing. In 2019, the company made headlines after an internal probe revealed widespread corruption within its supply chain, which the company estimated at the time had cost it up to CN¥1 billion (£110 million).

This latest detention suggests that the firm continues to grapple with governance challenges, even as it faces increasing geopolitical pressure and trade restrictions in Western markets, particularly the United States.

The move is being viewed by industry analysts as part of a broader trend of “self-cleansing” within China’s major tech players, who are increasingly keen to demonstrate transparency to both domestic regulators and international partners.

The detention follows a period of significant reshuffling at the top of the organisation. Since Yuan’s departure in May 2024, DJI has sought to reorganise its sales and distribution networks to mitigate the risks of “centralised power” within its executive ranks.