Taiwan detains Nvidia employee in probe over AI server exports to China

Taiwanese prosecutors have detained an employee of Nvidia as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal export of Super Micro artificial intelligence servers to China. The servers in question were equipped with Nvidia chips that are subject to U.S. export controls, which prohibit their sale or export to mainland China.

The suspect, identified by the surname Chang, was questioned after authorities searched his home and workplace on July 24. Prosecutors argued for his detention, citing risks of flight, evidence destruction, or collusion with accomplices. Taiwanese media identified Chang as an Nvidia employee.

Nvidia stated that it sells its products to well-known partners, including original equipment manufacturers, who are responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. export control rules. The company did not confirm if the detained individual was an employee.

This detention marks the third round of searches in the investigation, following earlier actions in May and June that resulted in the detention of three and two individuals, respectively. In March, the U.S. Justice Department charged three people associated with Super Micro, including a co-founder, for allegedly helping to smuggle at least $2.5 billion worth of U.S. AI technology to China in violation of export controls.

Taiwan, a major global producer of advanced chips, has been strengthening its export controls to prevent sensitive technology from reaching China.