Taiwanese prosecutors detain an Nvidia employee and conduct searches as part of an expanding investigation into alleged smuggling of AI accelerators into China, according to people familiar with the matter cited by multiple outlets. The probe focuses on whether restricted AI servers or accelerators containing advanced Nvidia chips were routed to China via channels that may involve Taiwan-based distributors and related intermediaries. Reports say the investigation began earlier in the year with Super Micro and then broadened through distributors over several months before reaching Nvidia itself.
One outlet reports that prosecutors also search Nvidia offices as part of the case. Another says the detained individual is detained after investigators raid his home and workplace, with the detention occurring in late July, and that the relevant authorities include the Keelung District Prosecutors Office.
Several reports add that officials are examining shipments of AI servers tied to Super Micro that used advanced Nvidia chips and were sent to destinations including China, Macau, and Hong Kong, which would potentially violate U.S. export controls.
Separate reporting referenced in one source notes that the U.S. Justice Department has already arrested Super Micro’s co-founder in an earlier related case.
