Nvidia Board Launches Probe Into CEO Jensen Huang Over Alleged Chinese Intelligence Links

ISLAMABAD: (News Desk0 – Nvidia’s board has launched an independent investigation into Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Jensen Huang after he acknowledged having an affair with a Chinese businesswoman whom US intelligence officials reportedly suspect of working for Beijing.

According to The New York Times, US intelligence officials concluded that Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, a Chinese executive associated with Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, had been passing information to China.

The newspaper reported that Alice Huang had developed a close relationship with the 63-year-old Nvidia chief, who was born in Taiwan. She is not related to Jensen Huang.

In a message to employees released on Sunday, Jensen Huang admitted being unfaithful to his wife and apologised to his family and colleagues.

“I was unfaithful to my wife,” he said. “My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry.”

Nvidia said its board had initiated an independent inquiry following reports that its founder and CEO had been targeted by a foreign intelligence operation. The company added that the board had no reason to believe national security interests or Nvidia’s confidential information had been compromised, but would examine all available evidence.

The reported relationship has attracted attention because of Huang’s influential position in the global artificial intelligence industry and his informal advisory role to US President Donald Trump. The New York Times suggested that the relationship could have provided the Chinese executive with insights into Trump’s thinking on artificial intelligence.

The issue is particularly sensitive amid growing competition between Washington and Beijing over technological leadership. Trump is also expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in China later this month, where AI-related issues could feature in discussions.

Asked about the matter on Sunday, Trump described Huang as a fine and honourable person and said he hoped everything would be resolved. He added that Huang had done an incredible job.

Trump also said he did not regret choosing not to act on intelligence findings about the relationship, which the New York Times reported had been brought to his attention approximately a year ago.

The Chinese government has rejected the newspaper’s report, calling it “groundless speculation”.

Potential Impact on Nvidia

The controversy comes as the United States continues to restrict exports of its most advanced semiconductor chips to China over concerns about national security and technological competition.

Nvidia is one of the world’s most valuable companies and a leading supplier of processors used to train and operate artificial intelligence systems.

The New York Times report, citing sources briefed on the matter, also said Megaspeed had been under scrutiny over allegations that it may have facilitated the diversion of Nvidia AI chips to China.

Technology analyst Dan Ives of investment bank Yorkville Ives described the investigation as a “black eye moment” for Huang. He predicted that the controversy could trigger multiple congressional inquiries and put additional pressure on Nvidia’s stock.

Ives said Huang was expected to remain in his position in the near term, although the board’s findings could affect his future as CEO.

He added that the investigation could create uncertainty for investors because of Huang’s central role in Nvidia’s global strategy, while also intensifying scrutiny of the company’s chip sales to China.