Nvidia launched an investigation after its CEO admitted to having an affair with an alleged Chinese spy.
American corporation Nvidia has launched an internal investigation after reports of a possible Chinese espionage operation against CEO Jensen Huang. The head of a tech giant has admitted to an extramarital affair with a woman who US intelligence agencies suspect worked for Beijing. This was reported by the New York Times and Reuters.
At the center of the scandal is the Chinese entrepreneur Alice Huang, who previously held a senior position at the Singaporean Mega Speed company. The company deals in data center infrastructure and is one of the largest buyers of American artificial intelligence chips in Southeast Asia. According to the "New York Times", the American intelligence services determined that the woman was passing information to the Chinese side.
According to the publication's sources, Alice Huang was recruited by the Chinese Ministry of State Security. Apparently, her mission was to gather information about the head of Nvidia, as well as a possible influence on the company's position regarding the supply of advanced processors to China. US authorities fear that Beijing could use the entrepreneur's personal relationship with Huang to obtain information on strategically important technologies.
The situation took on special significance against the backdrop of the technological conflict between Washington and Beijing. The United States has been restricting exports of advanced semiconductors to China for several years in an effort to maintain its edge in artificial intelligence. Nvidia has a key position in this market, and its CEO maintains close ties to the administration of President Donald Trump.
After the new publications appeared, Jensen Huang sent a letter to Nvidia employees in which he admitted adultery and apologized to his family and colleagues.