Nvidia-linked businesswoman Alice Huang 'returns' to China amid alleged espionage probe: Bloomberg

BEIJING: Alice Huang, a businesswoman under investigation over suspected links to Chinese espionage, has reportedly returned to her home country and is currently residing in Beijing, according to a Bloomberg report.

The report claims that Huang's presence in Beijing is also known to Chinese security authorities.

According to international media reports, Huang, also known as Huang Le, has significant business influence in the artificial intelligence sector. Her alleged personal relationship with Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has reportedly triggered controversy within the company.

Reports suggest that Jensen Huang acknowledged having an extramarital relationship, while Nvidia's board has initiated an investigation into allegations that Alice Huang may have links to Chinese intelligence. China has denied the espionage allegations.

Alice Huang founded Mega Speed International in 2023, a company that subsequently became one of the largest buyers of Nvidia chips in Southeast Asia. The region has also been identified as an important transit route for the alleged smuggling of advanced AI chips into China.

According to the report, Mega Speed initially separated from China's major video game company, Seasun Holdings, before its ownership was transferred through a Singapore-based company in November 2023.

Just days after the ownership transfer, Mega Speed was recognised as an official cloud partner of Nvidia, reportedly gaining preferential access to the company's advanced chips.

Commercial records indicate that Mega Speed has imported more than $4.6 billion worth of Nvidia products to date.

Through its various facilities across Southeast Asia, the company also reportedly rents out Nvidia chips to Chinese technology giant Alibaba. Alibaba has denied allegations related to US national security concerns but has declined to comment on its business relationship with Mega Speed.

Bloomberg reported that before entering the business sector, Alice Huang worked in finance and journalism. She served as deputy general manager at Shanghai Hexi Investment Company from 2015 and had previously held positions at State Securities and HSBC.

However, the report said that details surrounding the timing of her return to Beijing and her current activities in China remain unclear. Attempts to contact her were also unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over Jensen Huang's future and the outcome of the investigation being conducted by Nvidia's board.