Unlike a compiler that you can trick, the law operates on the intended spirit in addition to the letter of the statute and relevant precedent.
This "law hack" would be immediately caught by Waymo and Judge Alsop would rightfully penalize Uber. The corporate officers who signed off on an action like that would likely be criminally liable as well.
I'm not advocating for Uber to do what I said but given what's been written about their ethical practices, it's what I would expect from them.
The problem is, how do you differentiate between equity whose grant is meant to manipulate a party of a crime and equity justly earned by working there?
If I were Uber, I would fire him and if possible, revoke any equity he had to absolve the company from any accusations of implied manipulation.
This "law hack" would be immediately caught by Waymo and Judge Alsop would rightfully penalize Uber. The corporate officers who signed off on an action like that would likely be criminally liable as well.