In a significant turn of events, Singapore authorities confiscated Alice Huang’s passport in 2025 amid an investigation involving the Chinese businesswoman, who has emerged as a central figure in the scandal that ultimately led to the resignation of Nvidia’s CEO.
The Ministry of Home Affairs indicated that the nation received “limited” assistance from the United States during its inquiry into AI chip transactions.
Following allegations of having engaged in extramarital liaisons, including one with Alice Huang, 63-year-old Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, tendered his resignation. US authorities are reportedly scrutinizing Huang for potential espionage activities on behalf of Beijing.
The Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs revealed that a shipment verification inspection was conducted by the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at Megaspeed, a local customer of Nvidia, in June 2025. Alice Huang was present during this examination.
It marked the first instance Singapore became aware of the US interest in both Megaspeed and Alice Huang. Subsequently, police interviewed her and seized her passport on the same day, as elucidated by the ministry.
Alice Huang was under investigation for “suspected involvement in possible offenses in Singapore,” largely due to her prominent roles as the then-CEO, Chairperson, and a principal controller of Megaspeed.
The ministry clarified that the inquiry did not pertain to allegations of espionage.
In February 2025, Singapore initiated an independent investigation targeting numerous enterprises, including Megaspeed, for possible false declarations during the purchase of servers and associated crimes.
Additionally, inquiries were extended to Super Micro Computer, a US AI server manufacturer, although it remains unclear if this is linked to the Megaspeed investigation.
In a separate but related case, three individuals associated with Super Micro, including a co-founder, were charged in March by US prosecutors for allegedly facilitating the smuggling of billions of dollars’ worth of AI chips to China via Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
According to the ministry, Super Micro exhibited limited cooperation throughout the investigation, prompting Singapore to issue multiple requests to the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance in obtaining the company’s collaboration.
“Notwithstanding these ongoing requests, Singapore has, to this day, received minimal information or aid concerning the company,” the ministry asserted.
Alice Huang faced scrutiny for potential infractions related to acquiring servers that were exported through Singapore to Malaysia without ever entering the Singapore market.
While the ministry stated that there was inadequate evidence to conclude that Alice Huang had committed any offenses, it noted that during the investigation, she provided police with “information that she knew to be inaccurate” and minimized her involvement with Megaspeed.
She departed from Singapore in February subsequent to the return of her passport and is now subject to a re-entry ban.
Alice Huang could not be reached for comment. Reports from Bloomberg News indicate that she is currently residing in Beijing under the cognizance of security officials.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked that the Justice Department has yet to deliver a verdict on whether Alice Huang functioned as a Chinese spy.
The home affairs ministry conveyed that inquiries into Megaspeed and six associated individuals remain active.
It emphasized that Singapore will not permit companies or individuals to exploit its business infrastructure for fraudulent or dishonest endeavors and remains committed to collaborating with international authorities as warranted.
Reports suggest that Washington is also probing Megaspeed over suspicions of its facilitating China’s acquisition of advanced AI chips that are subject to export controls imposed by the US.
In response to the unfolding events, Megaspeed asserted its commitment to compliance with US export control regulations, stating it takes these obligations “extremely seriously” and has cooperated with US inspections.
Source link: Itnews.com.au.
