Alice Huang: Inside the Alleged China Spy Plot Targeting Nvidia Boss Jensen Huang

A Chinese technology executive identified as Alice Huang has emerged at the centre of allegations involving espionage, an alleged affair with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and possible attempts to circumvent US restrictions on advanced artificial intelligence chips.

According to reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, US officials concluded that Alice Huang was allegedly recruited by Beijing to gather intelligence on the Nvidia chief.

The reports have raised fresh questions about the intersection of corporate espionage, international politics and the global race for artificial intelligence supremacy.

Alice Huang, also known as Huang Le, reportedly held a senior position at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed International.

Although details about her background remain limited, media investigations have provided some information about her career, her reported relationship with Jensen Huang and the company she was associated with.

1. Who is Alice Huang?

Alice Huang is a Chinese citizen accused of working for Beijing to collect intelligence on Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang.

The New York Times first reported the alleged spying operation, citing sources familiar with the surveillance.

Despite their identical surnames, Alice Huang is not related to Jensen Huang, the 63-year-old Taiwanese-born head of the world’s most valuable company.

According to people briefed on the alleged operation, Alice Huang speaks good English and has established connections with influential figures in the international AI semiconductor industry.

Her alleged activities have attracted attention because advanced AI chips have become a major strategic asset in the competition between Washington and Beijing.

An online search also uncovered a short profile bearing her photograph on a Chinese investment fund database. It reportedly identified previous positions at HSBC and as a journalist with Chinese broadcasters CCTV and Hunan TV.

However, AFP said it could not independently authenticate the information or establish the identity of the person responsible for the profile. It also attempted to contact the companies mentioned.

2. How is she connected to Nvidia’s Jensen Huang?

Media reports published last week alleged that Alice Huang shared a close personal relationship with Jensen Huang.

The Nvidia chief reportedly addressed the matter in a message to employees on Sunday, expressing regret over his alleged infidelity.

He said he was “deeply sorry” for being “unfaithful to my wife”.

Photographs and video footage have also drawn attention to their reported association.

A picture from a 2024 technology industry party, posted on LinkedIn, appears to show Jensen Huang sitting beside a long-haired woman wearing elaborate jewellery. The woman is believed to be Alice Huang.

Their interaction attracted further attention during Computex in Taipei the following year.

The pair attended a dinner hosted by Jensen Huang at a Chinese restaurant, where journalists filmed guests through the establishment’s glass windows and doors.

Footage from media livestreams showed the Nvidia chief placing his arm around a woman identified as Alice Huang as she kissed him on the right cheek.

She was subsequently seen following him into the restaurant after he stepped outside to speak with journalists. In another moment, she appeared to run her fingers down his lower back.

The two later departed the restaurant in the same vehicle.

3. What is Megaspeed International?

Megaspeed International is a Singapore-based data centre business that provides computing resources to companies seeking to train and operate artificial intelligence systems.

Alice Huang reportedly held a senior executive position at the company when US officials concluded last year that she was allegedly involved in an intelligence-gathering operation targeting Jensen Huang.

The company’s website describes Megaspeed as “a core business partner of Nvidia’s computing power cloud business in the Asia-Pacific region”.

According to its LinkedIn profile, the business has offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, with an estimated workforce of two to 10 employees and 25 associated members.

However, its corporate footprint has raised questions.

When AFP called the telephone number displayed on the company’s website, the individual who answered reportedly said they did not know the company and that the number was a residential line.

Records on Singapore’s government website also show that the business previously operated under the name 7Road International, suggesting links to Chinese gaming company 7Road.

4. Did Megaspeed help China evade US chip restrictions?

Another major aspect of the controversy involves allegations that Megaspeed may have played a role in redirecting restricted Nvidia chips to China.

The United States has imposed export controls on Nvidia’s most advanced semiconductor products destined for China, arguing that the restrictions are necessary to protect national security and preserve its lead in artificial intelligence.

According to The New York Times, American authorities have been investigating Megaspeed since 2024 over concerns that the company may have facilitated the diversion of Nvidia chips to China.

The company has also reportedly faced scrutiny from Singaporean authorities.

The New York Times reported that Singapore investigators questioned Alice Huang in 2025.

AFP said it had approached Singapore police and the Ministry of Home Affairs for comment on the matter.

Bloomberg News had also reported previously that Singapore authorities were investigating Megaspeed over the alleged smuggling of Nvidia chips to China.

Megaspeed rejected the allegations in December 2025, describing Bloomberg’s report as inaccurate.

In its response, the company said the coverage “contains misleading information and incorrect insinuations, including suggestions that we may have been involved in illegal chip transfers”.

5. Why the allegations matter

The allegations involving Alice Huang come at a time when artificial intelligence semiconductors have become central to economic competition and national security.

Nvidia occupies a critical position in the global AI industry, supplying advanced processors used by technology companies, research institutions and governments.

Washington’s restrictions on chip exports to China reflect concerns that advanced computing technology could support military and strategic capabilities.

Consequently, allegations of espionage involving the head of Nvidia and a company reportedly connected to its computing infrastructure have attracted significant attention.

However, the reported espionage operation and alleged illegal chip transfers remain allegations, and the available information does not independently establish Alice Huang’s guilt or Megaspeed’s involvement in unlawful activities.