Taiwanese prosecutors arrested three people on May 20 for allegedly forging documents to export Nvidia AI chips embedded in Super Micro Computer servers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau in violation of US export controls. [1, 2, 3]
The servers involved about 50 AI units, some of which cleared Taiwan customs and left the island. [2, 3] These servers, assembled by US-based Super Micro Computer, contain Nvidia AI chips used for data center AI model training and operation. [1, 2, 3]
Taiwan's Keelung District Prosecutors Office executed search warrants at 12 locations and apprehended the suspects along with related witnesses. [1, 2, 3] Prosecutors said the suspects "fully knew" that sales of the servers to China were "strictly regulated" by US rules and are suspected of offenses including document forgery under Taiwan's Criminal Code. [2]
The defendants were aware that such sales were "strictly controlled" and "completely prohibited" to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau under US policy. [3]
This is Taiwan's first major crackdown on semiconductor smuggling involving AI chips since US-China export controls were tightened starting in 2022. [1, 2]
The investigation is independent but authorities have noted a potential link to a March US indictment that accused Super Micro Computer employees of smuggling billions of dollars worth of Nvidia chips to China. However, some sources say any connection requires further inquiry. [2, 3]
On May 21, the Keelung prosecutors announced charges against the three suspects for document forgery and illegal export of AI servers. [1, 2]
The case highlights enforcement efforts by Taiwan amid global restrictions on advanced chip shipments to China.
