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Fri, 20 Mar 2026

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 Trio charged over alleged plot to smuggle Nvidia chips from US to China

They allegedly used fake papers and dummy gear as part of a plan to sell billions in tech to China.

* Three individuals, including a co-founder of California-based Super Micro Computer, have been charged with smuggling American AI chips to China.
* The trio allegedly used fake documents and dummy equipment to evade export controls on Nvidia-made semiconductors.
* The goods in question included billions of dollars' worth of technology, including highly coveted AI chips that are subject to export controls.
* Two Chinese nationals were previously arrested and charged with illegally shipping millions of dollars' worth of Nvidia chips to China.
* Super Micro Computer said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and has placed two employees on leave and terminated ties with a contractor.
* The company confirmed that the three individuals were associated with the firm, but neither court documents nor the DOJ named Super Micro as their employer.
* Nvidia's semiconductors are highly regarded in the AI industry, but most of its advanced chips are subject to US export controls due to national security and foreign policy concerns.