Nvidia employee detained in Taiwan over AI chip smuggling probe

Published Jul 28, 10:34 AM UTC

Taiwan's Keelung District Prosecutors' Office detained a man surnamed Chang, an Nvidia employee, on suspicion of falsifying business documents in connection with an AI chip smuggling case opened in May. Investigators searched his home and desk at Nvidia's Taipei office on July 24. Prosecutors cited risks of flight and evidence tampering but have not accused Nvidia of wrongdoing. Nvidia stated smuggling is 'a nonstarter' and that it sells primarily to well-known partners complying with U.S. export rules. Taiwan does not criminalize unauthorized AI chip exports to China, so charges focus on fraud. The case follows earlier arrests in May and June related to shipping declarations. Senator Elizabeth Warren has also questioned Nvidia about diversion claims. The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security has begun reviewing H200 export licenses under a 25% revenue share, while Blackwell parts remain restricted.