Anker Innovations, the Chinese tech company behind the Eufy brand widely sold in Australia, is under scrutiny in the United States after being accused of operating illegally and engaging in unethical practices.

The allegations were raised by John Moolenaar, Chairman of the U.S. Select Committee on China, who has written to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick calling for a formal investigation into Anker’s business conduct.

Moolenaar claims Anker has a track record of questionable practices, including tariff evasion and misleading consumers about the security of its products. According to the Committee, the company has allegedly misclassified product codes to avoid import tariffs—such as listing batteries as wireless chargers to disguise their country of origin.

“Beyond unfair direct subsidies, we want to highlight Anker’s import practices and potential tariff evasion,” Moolenaar wrote.

The Committee also pointed to Anker’s Eufy security products, which have previously been exposed for major security flaws. Reports revealed that unencrypted video streams from Eufy security cameras could be accessed, despite public assurances from the company that its products were encrypted. Anker later admitted its earlier claims were inaccurate.

“At worst, Anker poses a risk by potentially embedding foreign surveillance and destructive capabilities into household items; at best, it leverages anticompetitive practices to dominate a strategic supply chain,” Moolenaar warned.

The controversy adds to Anker’s troubled reputation. Its Australian distributor, Melbourne-based Directed Electronics, was already hit by a recall of more than a million Anker power banks after safety concerns emerged.

In Australia, Anker and its Eufy smart home products are sold through major retailers including Officeworks, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and Bunnings. Alongside Eufy, Anker also owns SOLIX, a battery technology brand.

Anker SoundCore Bluetooth speaker in PSA recall. Image: PSA.

The Committee has urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate Anker’s operations and assess the risks posed to consumers. Moolenaar cautioned that consumers face “inherent dangers” when buying cheaply made, potentially compromised products.