Singapore says US offered limited help in its probe of AI chip deals

Singapore has seized the passport of Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman, in connection with an ongoing investigation. Huang is suspected of involvement in potential offences related to the purchase of servers and other related activities. The United States has offered limited assistance to Singapore in its probe into AI chip deals.

US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) conducted a shipment verification check at a Singapore-based Nvidia customer, Megaspeed, in June 2025, with Huang present. The probe did not involve espionage, and the investigation into Huang was initiated in February 2025 when Singapore opened an independent investigation into several companies, including Megaspeed, over potential false declarations in server purchases and other related offences.

Three individuals associated with Super Micro, an AI server maker, were charged in March by US prosecutors with helping smuggle AI chips to China through Southeast Asia and Taiwan, though Megaspeed provided limited cooperation. Alice Huang was investigated for possible offences, including buying servers exported via Singapore to Malaysia without entering the Singapore market.

However, there was insufficient evidence to establish her guilt. Huang left Singapore with her passport returned and was banned from re-entering the country. US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department has not yet concluded whether Huang was a Chinese spy.