Memo claimed executive was recruited to spy on Nvidia CEO

A memo circulated earlier this year reportedly said that China’s Ministry of State Security recruited technology executive Alice Huang to spy on Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Multiple media reports described the document as based on U.S. intelligence. The New York Times, which had earlier reported that the Nvidia chief was a target of Chinese intelligence, was the first to publish details about the memo.

The Financial Times reported that the memo also alleged a romantic relationship between Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed. An Nvidia spokesperson told The New York Times that Jensen Huang’s dealings with her were “not unusual” and said the company does not provide classified information to customers.

A separate New York Times report raised questions about New Matrix, a Chinese company authorized by the U.S. Commerce Department to purchase advanced Nvidia chips. Reporters found only “a hollow gray shell” at the company’s listed address, prompting concerns that it could be a front for a blacklisted private equity firm. Nvidia said it sells “the first, best and most of our technology in America.”