NVIDIA’s AI Chips Reached China’s Alibaba Through Thailand, As US Indicts Supermicro Execs In $2.5 Billion Smuggling Ring

U.S. investigators allege a $2.5 billion smuggling scheme moved restricted NVIDIA-based AI servers from Thailand into China.

Bloomberg and Reuters reported that Supermicro employees and executives were tied to the network; some servers were allegedly routed to Alibaba.

NVIDIA and Alibaba said they comply with export rules and denied improper involvement.

The case highlights how third-country routes can be used to evade chip export controls and expose gaps in enforcement.