A US investigation into alleged advanced AI chip smuggling to China has brought Chinese businesswoman Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, under intelligence scrutiny. Her reported connections with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have added another dimension to a probe examining whether companies operating through Southeast Asia helped Chinese businesses bypass American export restrictions.
According to reports cited in the investigation, Alice Huang was associated with Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, which purchased computing equipment powered by Nvidia chips and rented data centre capacity to businesses, including Chinese technology giant Alibaba.
US authorities are examining whether the company's business network was used to divert restricted technology to China.
Who Is Alice Huang?
Alice Huang is a Chinese national who worked as a senior executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based data centre company. Her professional position placed her within the international AI infrastructure supply chain.
The company's business model involved acquiring computing equipment containing Nvidia technology and providing data centre capacity to customers.
However, American authorities became concerned that businesses operating through Southeast Asian countries could be helping Chinese firms access advanced chips despite US export restrictions.
The investigation into Megaspeed reportedly dates back to late 2024.
Why Did US Intelligence Suspect Her?
According to reports, American officials examined whether Megaspeed's network was helping Chinese businesses obtain advanced Nvidia chips that they could not directly purchase under existing restrictions.
A US Commerce Department official reportedly raised questions after visiting a Megaspeed-operated data centre in Malaysia and finding Nvidia equipment still packed in boxes.
The investigation also examined the company's Malaysian sister firm, which reportedly purchased at least $4.8 billion worth of advanced AI equipment containing Nvidia technology between June 2024 and February 2026.
Authorities suspected that some equipment acquired through the network could have been diverted to China.
Singaporean authorities also reportedly questioned Alice Huang in 2025 before releasing her. The investigation was subsequently transferred from the Commerce Department to the Justice Department.
How Did She Connect With Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang?
One of the most sensitive aspects of the investigation concerns Alice Huang's reported relationship with Jensen Huang. The two are not related.
According to reports, US intelligence agencies identified their connection while examining communications involving Alice Huang and an American citizen. The American was identified as Jensen Huang through a process known as unmasking, which can reveal the identity of US citizens whose communications are incidentally collected during authorised surveillance.
The two were photographed together at a Taipei bar in June 2024 following a technology trade show. They reportedly met again in May 2025 after a business dinner involving AI suppliers.
US officials were reportedly concerned that Alice Huang could have gained access to Nvidia's commercial plans or other sensitive information through these interactions.
The investigation also considered whether such information could have provided Beijing with insights into US policy discussions on advanced chip exports.
What Have Nvidia and Megaspeed Said?
Nvidia rejected suggestions that its interactions with Alice Huang were unusual or that Megaspeed received sensitive company information.
Company spokesperson John Rizzo said meetings with customers were a routine part of the CEO's responsibilities. He maintained that Megaspeed received ordinary business information rather than sensitive trade secrets or national security-related material.
Megaspeed said its current leadership was taking the allegations seriously, had appointed external legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation and was willing to cooperate with US authorities.
Investigation Continues Amid US-China Technology Rivalry
Alice Huang reportedly remains under US intelligence surveillance, while companies associated with Megaspeed have continued purchasing Nvidia products through intermediaries.
The case highlights the challenges Washington faces in enforcing advanced technology export restrictions through international business networks.
However, the allegations remain under investigation, and the reported association between Alice Huang and Jensen Huang does not establish that Nvidia's CEO knowingly shared sensitive information or participated in any alleged wrongdoing.
Relevant Link: US Department of Commerce
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