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Tech Company Co-Founder Charged with Smuggling Nvidia Chips to China

KVIA•Friday, March 20, 2026 at 4:01 AM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

Yih-Shyan Liaw, co-founder of Super Micro Computer, along with two associates, has been charged with illegally diverting $2.5 billion worth of Nvidia AI chips to China, violating U.S. export laws. The indictment alleges that the trio conspired to mislead manufacturers and auditors by using a Southeast Asian pass-through company and false documentation to obscure the shipments. Liaw was arrested in California and released on bail, while co-defendant Ting-Wei Sun is awaiting a detention hearing. Super Micro has placed Liaw and another co-defendant on administrative leave and is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to compliance with export laws. This case highlights serious national security concerns regarding the diversion of sensitive technology.

Key Details: • Liaw was arrested Thursday in California and released on bail. • Sun is currently held pending a detention hearing. • Super Micro has terminated its relationship with Sun and placed Liaw and Chang on leave. • The indictment details elaborate schemes to mislead compliance checks and auditors.

technology national-security nvidia export-laws super-micro

People & Organizations

CaliforniaU.S. Department of JusticeJay ClaytonSoutheast AsiaYih-Shyan LiawRuei-Tsang ChangTing-Wei SunSuper Micro Computer

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