Alleged spy in Nvidia scandal linked to network that reportedly smuggled restricted chips into China

A company founded by Alice Huang, the businesswoman accused of being an alleged Chinese spy and reportedly romantically involved with Nvidia's former CEO, Jensen Huang, has been linked to the acquisition of advanced artificial intelligence chips that allegedly reached China despite US export restrictions.

According to a Bloomberg investigation, based on corporate documents and sources familiar with the transactions, several servers equipped with advanced Nvidia processors were initially sold to a Singapore-based company before eventually ending up at a data centre in Shanghai.

The revelations add another dimension to the controversy surrounding Nvidia, which, according to published reports, led to Jensen Huang's resignation as the company's chief executive on Thursday, November 12.

However, the documents reviewed do not establish that Alice Huang personally participated in purchasing the equipment or was directly responsible for its transfer into China.

Restricted Nvidia chips were routed through a Singapore company

The investigation indicates that Aperia Cloud Services, a Singapore-based company associated with Nvidia's partner programme, acquired 22 Dell servers equipped with Nvidia H800 processors.

These chips, designed for advanced artificial intelligence applications, became subject to US export restrictions targeting China in 2023.

However, the servers reportedly ended up with a subsidiary of Shanghai Longteng Intelligent Computing, a company founded by Alice Huang in Shanghai in 2015.

Corporate documents reportedly show that, in January 2025, the company pledged 193 computer servers as collateral to secure financing.

The equipment included the 22 Dell servers and another 52 systems manufactured by Super Micro Computer, containing Nvidia H100 or H200 processors, which are also subject to US export controls.

The total value of the servers used as collateral was estimated at approximately $73 million.

Nevertheless, the documents do not explain how all the processors were obtained or whether the transactions received the authorisations required by US authorities.

Alice Huang transferred her shares in 2017

One factor complicating the investigation is that Alice Huang had reportedly ceased to be a shareholder in Shanghai Longteng in 2017, when she transferred her ownership stake to a person identified as her sister.

Therefore, the fact that Huang founded the company does not establish that she continued directing its operations when the servers under investigation were acquired.

Nevertheless, Bloomberg identified additional corporate connections between the companies involved and Megaspeed International, a Singapore-based business founded by Huang.

According to the investigation, Megaspeed used images of the Shanghai data centre in a presentation to investors in 2024.

Meanwhile, another company linked to the network, Shanghai Shuoyao, reportedly advertised positions for engineers specialising in Nvidia H100 and H200 processors at a location near the facilities.

These findings have raised suspicions about the existence of a business network that may have facilitated the transfer of restricted American technology into China.

Dell reportedly ended its commercial relationship with Aperia

The investigation also indicates that American computer manufacturer Dell suspended sales and commercial support to Aperia in February 2025 amid concerns about the possible diversion of equipment.

For its part, Aperia has denied any wrongdoing, while Nvidia had already removed the company from its publicly available partner list.

The allegations contrast with statements made by Jensen Huang in May 2025, when he said there was no evidence that restricted Nvidia chips were being diverted to China.

The newly reported documents raise questions about international semiconductor distribution controls and the ability of US authorities to prevent strategically sensitive technology from reaching restricted destinations.

Scandal reportedly leads to Nvidia founder's resignation

The revelations come at a particularly sensitive moment for Nvidia, following reports that Jensen Huang resigned as chairman and chief executive amid controversy surrounding his personal relationships and allegations of espionage.

Alice Huang has been described in media reports as an alleged operative linked to Chinese intelligence services, an accusation that Beijing has rejected.

Nvidia has reportedly stated that it has no reason to believe trade secrets or national security information were compromised, although the company has initiated an internal investigation.

Following Huang's reported departure, Colette Kress, Nvidia's chief financial officer, is said to have taken over as interim chief executive while the board searches for a permanent replacement.

United States could tighten semiconductor export controls

The controversy has renewed attention on US restrictions governing exports of advanced technology to China.

Washington considers that the most powerful artificial intelligence processors may have strategic and military applications, which is why exporting certain models requires specific authorisation.

Reports concerning the servers identified in Shanghai could intensify debate over the need to strengthen oversight of international intermediaries and distributors.

However, there is currently no publicly established evidence that Alice Huang personally directed the acquisition of the servers under investigation.

The central question remains how the restricted chips reached China, which companies participated in the transactions, and whether US export regulations were violated.