Taiwanese prosecutors have charged nine individuals, including employees from Nvidia and Super Micro, in connection with the illegal export of high-end artificial intelligence servers to mainland China. The charges underscore the escalating competition between the United States and China over AI technology and infrastructure.
The servers in question reportedly contained graphics processing units known as "B300," which are subject to U.S. export restrictions aimed at limiting China's access to advanced AI chips. Washington has progressively tightened controls on AI chip exports to China since 2022, requiring licenses for certain sales and implementing strict reviews for AI infrastructure components.
Prosecutors stated that under export controls, sales of high-end AI servers require a rigorous review process, and purchases exceeding eight servers necessitate on-site checks by company staff. The accused allegedly bypassed these regulations to send 74 servers to China, with some shipments routed through Indonesia, directly, or via Japan and Hong Kong. Another attempt involving 56 servers was thwarted, with those units remaining in Taiwan.
One defendant, identified as an Nvidia manager by his surname Chang, is described by prosecutors as the "key figure" responsible for authorizing the release of the B300 GPUs in this case. Prosecutors are seeking maximum five-year sentences for four of the nine defendants, citing Chang's "clearly poor attitude following the offense."
Some defendants are accused of establishing a company in Japan to facilitate the transfer of eight servers and of using fake websites and falsified information to circumvent export restrictions.
Nvidia stated it is cooperating with Taiwanese authorities to resolve the allegations. Super Micro confirmed the arrests of two former employees were related to its collaboration with Taiwanese authorities and emphasized its commitment to enhancing export compliance to protect American innovation.