Malaysia seizes $12.1 million in AI chips amid smuggling probe

Key facts

• Malaysian customs seized about $12.1 million worth of advanced AI chips.
• The seizure occurred at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
• The chips were falsely declared as electronic components.
• The shipment was intended for re-export to another country.
• The syndicate is suspected of similar smuggling attempts.
• Over 100 million ringgit in chips have been seized in total from the syndicate.

Malaysian customs announced on Wednesday the seizure of approximately 49.5 million ringgit ($12.11 million) worth of advanced artificial intelligence chips this month. The operation targets a syndicate suspected of smuggling high-performance semiconductors through the country's main airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The chips were falsely declared as electronic components and were transiting Malaysia to avoid export restrictions.