Taiwanese authorities detained an Nvidia employee identified only by the surname “Chang” as part of an investigation into alleged AI chip smuggling to China. Investigators searched Chang’s residence and desk at Nvidia’s Taipei office on Tuesday.
The case concerns allegations of breach of trust and forgery. Nvidia itself has not been accused of wrongdoing, and the investigation remains focused on the alleged actions of individuals involved in the shipment process.
According to Bloomberg’s report on the investigation, Taiwanese prosecutors are examining claims that documents were falsified to export about 50 Super Micro servers containing Nvidia AI chips to China. Prosecutors also allege that chips had previously been sent to China through Japan.
The Taiwan case is part of a wider group of at least eight investigations into possible smuggling routes across four jurisdictions, according to the same report. The scrutiny reflects the growing pressure surrounding the international trade of AI hardware, particularly shipments connected to China.
Nvidia says diverted products would lose support
Nvidia said it sells primarily through established partners, including original equipment manufacturers, and reviews sales to comply with US export-control requirements. The company also said shipments are subject to checks by parties on both sides of the transaction.
The company added that products diverted from approved sales channels would not receive Nvidia service, support, or software updates. Nvidia’s position comes as governments continue examining how advanced AI hardware reaches restricted markets.
Taiwan does not currently have export restrictions aimed at limiting AI chip shipments to China, although its government has considered introducing controls that would align more closely with US policy. The island remains a central part of the global semiconductor supply chain, which has placed additional attention on alleged technology transfers.
The investigation also follows earlier US action involving Super Micro. In March, US authorities charged three employees of the company, including its co-founder, with allegedly attempting to smuggle AI chips into China.
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