Nvidia board investigates allegations of Chinese honeytrap targeting CEO Jensen Huang
The investigation follows claims that a business executive may have been recruited by Chinese intelligence to influence the chipmaker's leader.
Nvidia's board of directors has started an independent probe into whether its 63-year-old chief executive, Jensen Huang, was targeted by a foreign intelligence operation, according to a report by the Times of India.
The company's board, which includes Aarti Shah, has appointed a committee of independent directors and outside legal counsel to examine the matter. While the board stated it has no reason to believe national security or company secrets were compromised, it is reviewing all available information.
The allegations involve an affair between Huang and a business executive identified as Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le. US intelligence officials reportedly believe she was recruited by Chinese intelligence to obtain information and influence access to Nvidia's advanced processors.
Alice Huang, a former television journalist in China, is a senior executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed International. Industry reports indicate Megaspeed purchased over $4.8 billion worth of Nvidia chips over two years.
Beijing has denied the allegations, describing them as smears against China. President Trump described Huang as an honorable person and an amazing worker for the country, though he noted he has not spoken to the CEO about the matter.
US lawmakers, including House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Brian Mast, China Select Committee chairman John Moolenaar, and Intelligence Committee chairman Rick Crawford, have requested a closed-door briefing from Huang on November 18.
