Nvidia probes CEO Jensen Huang over relationship with alleged Chinese spy

Nvidia’s board of directors announced on Sunday that it is starting an independent investigation into CEO Jensen Huang. The inquiry follows reports that the company founder was targeted by a Chinese intelligence operation involving Alice Huang, an executive at the Singapore-based chip firm Megaspeed.

According to the board, a committee of independent directors, supported by outside legal counsel, will lead the review. While the board stated it has “no reason to believe” that company secrets or national security were compromised, it intends to examine all available information. The company previously described the interactions between the two as “not unusual” and noted it does not share classified data with customers.

In a memo shared with the company, Jensen Huang admitted to a romantic affair with Alice Huang, who US officials reportedly believe was recruited by China’s Ministry of State Security to spy on the CEO. “I owe my family and all of you an apology,” Jensen Huang wrote, adding: “I was unfaithful to my wife. My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did.” He further acknowledged that he had “fallen short” of his professional responsibilities.

Megaspeed is currently a customer of Nvidia and is being investigated by the Commerce Department regarding allegations of smuggling AI chips to China. Although President Donald Trump has relaxed some restrictions on chip sales, the sale of Nvidia’s most powerful technology to Chinese firms remains barred, and the Commerce Department must approve individual companies to handle the chips. There is ongoing concern regarding whether insights into administration policy shared with Jensen Huang could have reached Beijing through his relationship with Alice Huang.

The board expressed that it maintains “confidence in Jensen and his leadership team.” Jensen Huang has stated that he fully supports the investigation and has pledged to cooperate with the process.