Update: I've been informed by Intel, that the engineers did not in fact work for Intel, as the story originally suggested.

Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested four Intel engineers where they allegedly sold sample processors on eBay. The suspects were confirmed as Intel engineers at an OEM plant in Taiwan were taken into custody in the city of Taoyuan.

Detectives had been tracking the engineers since September and conducted a raid on the individual's homes last month, according to reports. Authorities seized just 178 sample CPUs with an estimated street value of $82,500. The suspects admitted to selling more than 500 ES-branded chips since 2009.

Engineering sample CPUs are typically designated by Intel Confidential and ES markings are considered beta versions that get used for in-house testing, compatibility qualification, used as demonstrations or sent to media outlets for evaluation purposes. The chips are usually sent out to various outlets before commercial release and those who receive them usually sign non-disclosure agreements and after they're finished with the chip, return it or keep it and agree not to sell it.