Former DJI VP faces criminal detention in bribery probe

DJI, the company behind the bulk of civilian drones flying across American skies, is facing renewed scrutiny after Chinese authorities criminally detained a former senior executive on suspicion of accepting bribes.

According to Chinese digital outlet Jiemian News, Yuan, who served as DJI’s vice president of sales from May 2019 to May 2024, was detained earlier this month by authorities.

Public records show Yuan was fully responsible for overseeing DJI’s global sales operations during his five-year tenure. Authorities now suspect he abused his position to solicit and accept bribes as a “non-state employee,” a specific criminal charge under Chinese law that typically applies to private-sector executives.

Investigators have not disclosed exact figures, but reports describe the alleged misconduct as involving “huge amounts of illicit gains.” The case is currently moving through judicial proceedings in China.

The detention highlights DJI’s long-running internal anti-corruption efforts. In 2019, the company publicly acknowledged uncovering widespread supply chain corruption that it estimated had cost up to 1 billion yuan (roughly $150 million at the time). That internal investigation marked one of the most high-profile corporate self-policing efforts in China’s tech sector.

Since Yuan’s departure in May 2024, DJI has reportedly reshuffled its sales and distribution structures, aiming to reduce the risks associated with centralized executive authority.

Despite the legal proceedings, there is no indication that DJI’s day-to-day global operations have been disrupted. The company remains one of the world’s most valuable private tech unicorns, with strong sales across its drone and camera product lines.

In the United States, DJI products are widely used by hobbyists, content creators, real estate professionals, public safety agencies, and infrastructure inspectors. However, the company has faced mounting challenges here also, including trade restrictions and government agency bans tied to national security concerns.

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