US arrests man over $300M Nvidia AI chip smuggling to China

· Tech · United States · China

US authorities arrested Greg Lui, owner of California-based Earthmade Computer Inc, for allegedly smuggling more than $300 million worth of servers containing restricted Nvidia AI chips to China. Separately, a Chinese state-backed leasing firm disclosed it funded purchases of export-restricted Nvidia chips.

Why it matters：The cases highlight how export controls are enforced and how restricted AI chips may continue to move internationally through intermediaries and state-backed financing.

Key points

  • Earthmade Computer is based in San Gabriel Valley, California
  • The alleged smuggling involved over $300 million in servers
  • Semi-Tech Leasing Group is owned by several local government entities

Sources (original reporting)

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