Renault's Big Espionage Case Looks Like a Bust

Renault's bombshell allegation in January that three of its own executives were selling electric car secrets, maybe to the Chinese, is looking like a dud, the Wall Street Journal reports. Two months into the investigation (which the newspaper says is reminiscent of the work of the "Keystone Kops"), no proof has emerged that the fired executives actually did anything wrong.

In fact, it's looking more likely that Renault moved too quickly—after getting an anonymous letter—in an attempt to get out in front of a potential scandal. As a result, some high-ranking heads could roll. If the investigation continues to turn up zilch, "we would accept the consequences up to the highest level in the company, meaning up to me," COO Patrick Pelata said last week. (More Renault stories.)