Investigation Launched Into Alleged Spy Targeting Nvidia CEO

NEW DELHI, Nov 9 – Nvidia has opened an independent investigation after media reports suggested that its chief executive Jensen Huang was the target of a foreign intelligence operation. The probe, started on November 8, examines claims that a spy, allegedly linked to China’s Ministry of State Security, used personal relationships to gain access to the CEO.

The allegations involve Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore’s Megaspeed, a major customer that has purchased more than $4.8 billion in Nvidia chips over the last two years. The company has denied any wrongdoing, stating that no evidence of illegal chip transfers to China has been found.

Nvidia’s internal governance rules, amended on March 12, 2024, permit the board to remove Jensen Huang via a majority director vote even without a criminal finding, but such a decision also requires shareholder approval. Shareholders can remove a director for cause with a simple majority, whereas a cause‑less removal needs at least 66.67% of voting power.

The situation recalls past U.S. corporate removals tied to personal relationships, including McDonald’s former CEO Steve Easterbrook in 2019 and Intel’s Brian Krzanich in 2018, both of whom left after violating internal conduct policies.

In an email to staff and their families, Huang expressed remorse and apologized for any disruption. Chinese state media have dismissed the espionage accusations as “baseless,” and investigations by U.S. and Malaysian authorities, as well as Nvidia’s own audit, have not uncovered any proof of illicit activity. The outcome of the investigation remains pending.