Three Charged in Singapore Over Alleged Nvidia GPU Smuggling to China

Authorities allege fraudulent schemes involving misrepresentation of end-users to bypass U.S. export controls on advanced chips.

Singapore police charged two Singaporeans and a Chinese national with fraud linked to alleged illegal re-export of Nvidia GPUs to Chinese AI firm DeepSeek.
The accused allegedly misrepresented the end-users of server equipment to suppliers, violating U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors.
Authorities conducted raids across 22 locations, arresting nine individuals and seizing documents and electronic records as part of an ongoing investigation into 22 suspects and companies.
The case highlights Singapore's role as a trans-shipment hub and raises concerns over its use to circumvent international export controls targeting China.
U.S. officials are investigating whether DeepSeek used restricted Nvidia chips to develop AI models, despite export bans aimed at limiting China's access to advanced AI technology.