Beijing is penalizing individuals linked to Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, according to The New York Times.
Authorities are reportedly barring Manus executives from traveling to Singapore. This move escalates an investigation launched in January 2026.
Manus is a Singapore-based firm that relocated from Beijing before the deal. Officials fear the acquisition violates technology export control laws.
Regulators also aim to prevent Singapore washing. This practice involves local startups moving overseas to evade domestic regulations.