Taiwanese authorities raided offices of Super Micro Computer and several local partners on Monday as part of an investigation into alleged Nvidia chip smuggling to China. The Keelung District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the operation targeted the US firm’s facilities alongside data centre operator Chief Telecom and distributor Albatron Technology. Investigators also searched the homes of six individuals and three affiliated companies. Bloomberg reported that the probe began in May with arrests for forging export documents and shipping chips through Japan. A Super Micro co-founder has been indicted, though the company itself faces no charges yet. Stock prices fell eight percent in US trading following the news. Super Micro stated it is working closely with authorities while protecting its technology. Taiwan currently does not classify AI chip exports to China as criminal offences but is considering changes to align with US regulations.
The action signals a tightening of enforcement on grey-market hardware as governments seek to curb advanced computing access. Super Micro faces significant reputational risk if the investigation confirms systemic failures in its supply chain compliance. The outcome will likely influence how other vendors manage export controls in the region.
- Three people were arrested in May for forging documents.
- A Super Micro co-founder has been formally indicted.
- Taiwan is reviewing its laws to match US export rules.
