Two Chinese Nationals in California Charged with Illegal Export of Nvidia AI Chips to China
Two Chinese nationals residing in California, Chuan Geng and Shiwei Yang, have been arrested and charged by the U.S. Justice Department for illegally exporting tens of millions of dollars’ worth of advanced Nvidia AI chips, including H100 processors, to China without the required U.S. Commerce Department licenses. The alleged activities took place between October 2022 and July 2025.
Geng, 28, from Pasadena, and Yang, 28, from El Monte, ran ALX Solutions, a company founded in 2022 shortly after the U.S. imposed stringent export controls to curb China’s military modernization by restricting advanced technology exports. ALX allegedly shipped over 20 consignments through Singapore and Malaysia, common transshipment hubs used to conceal shipments destined for China. Payments for these shipments came directly from companies in China and Hong Kong, not the freight forwarders.
From at least August 2023 to July 2024, ALX reportedly purchased more than 200 Nvidia H100 chips—highly advanced AI processors used in training large language models—from San Jose-based Super Micro Computer. Invoices falsely declared end customers in Singapore and Japan, but U.S. export officials could not verify the shipments or companies at the listed locations.
Nvidia emphasized its strict compliance with U.S. export controls, noting that diverted products receive no support or updates. Super Micro affirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance and cooperation with authorities.
Geng was released on $250,000 bond following a federal court appearance in Los Angeles, while Yang, who overstayed her visa, faces a detention hearing on August 12.
