Chinese EV maker Leapmotor has launched a proactive anti-corruption program amid intensifying industry scrutiny. On 9 February 2026, an all-staff email announced a one-month “self-surrender window” closing on 10 March. Employees returning past illicit gains received full immunity from punishment. The program delivered strong results, with over CNY 10 million voluntarily returned to the company’s integrity account.
This self-surrender policy pairs seamlessly with a robust whistleblower system. The campaign offers rewards from CNY 1,000 to 10 million for solid tips. Additionally, the company has opened an online channel for public reports, with verified cases eligible for rewards of up to CNY 5 million. Reports remain fully confidential through anonymous submissions, remote handling without face-to-face meetings, and payments to any designated account.
In China’s auto sector, where supply chains juggle thousands of parts and billions in annual procurement, corruption remains deeply rooted. In 2024, Dongfeng Motor handled 46 corruption investigations spanning multiple ranks, demonstrating the need beyond just penalties. Leapmotor sets itself apart with a timed amnesty that converts potential wrongdoers into willing cooperators. It draws on the Chinese tradition of “leniency for confession”. Employees respond better to options that preserve dignity and jobs than threats alone.
This “carrot and stick” method addresses a critical challenge in compliance management: the hidden cost of undetected corruption. Some automakers have adopted extreme positions, vowing to spend ten times the amount of any bribe to pursue offenders. Such punitive extremes often deter cooperation, while Leapmotor’s balanced model lowers the cost of detection without eroding trust.
The success of this initiative highlights the maturation of Chinese corporate governance. As Leapmotor expands globally through its partnership with Stellantis, its transparency-oriented approach resonates with international guidelines such as the FCPA and UK Bribery Act. By combining voluntary disclosure with structured oversight, the company not only meets global standards but also counters “unethical supply chain” narratives in Western markets.
By Sasha Zheng, Senior Researcher