Memo: Chinese intelligence recruited Megaspeed executive to spy on Nvidia CEO
Multiple media outlets, citing a memo reportedly based on U.S. intelligence, say China's Ministry of State Security recruited Megaspeed executive Alice Huang to spy on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Nvidia calls the contacts "not unusual".
A memo circulated earlier this year claims that Alice Huang, an executive at the Singapore-based company Megaspeed, was recruited by China's Ministry of State Security to spy on Jensen Huang, chief executive of chipmaker Nvidia, according to multiple media reports. The matter is significant because Nvidia makes advanced AI chips whose sales to China are subject to U.S. oversight.
The New York Times (NYT), which had previously reported that Nvidia's chief executive was a target of Chinese intelligence, was the first to report on the memo, which was reportedly based on U.S. intelligence. The Financial Times later reported that the memo also alleged Jensen Huang had a romantic relationship with Alice Huang.
Nvidia's response
An Nvidia spokesperson told the NYT that Jensen Huang's interactions with Alice Huang were "not unusual" and that the company does not share classified information with its customers.
Questions over a Chinese buyer
A separate NYT report looked at New Matrix, a Chinese company authorized by the U.S. Commerce Department to buy advanced Nvidia chips. At the office address New Matrix listed, reporters found only "a hollow gray shell". That raised concerns that the company could be a front for a blacklisted private equity firm.
The Nvidia spokesperson said the company sells "the first, best and most of our technology in America."
