Chinese AI firm Lanma Tech, founded by Zhou Jian, is facing intense scrutiny over unpaid salaries and benefits, according to the Chinese media outlet iThome. The company has been withholding employee wages since January 2025, with some workers receiving termination notices without explanation. The firm allegedly owes employees at least 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in back pay, not including social insurance and housing fund contributions. He said Lanma Tech has paid out two-thirds of the compensation owed and currently retains about 20 employees. Zhou claimed to have mortgaged and sold properties to cover the financial shortfall, though employees remain skeptical.