Earthmade Owner Charged in Chip Export Case
California-based Earthmade Computer Inc. owner charged with illegal chip exports to China.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Earthmade Computer Inc. owner Lui with multiple counts related to the alleged illegal export of chips to China. Reports indicate that Lui sent the chips through Malaysia and Singapore before delivering them to buyers in China, including government entities.
Lui reportedly submitted false documentation to disguise the chips’ true destination as authorized users who did not require an export license. The DOJ charged Lui with conspiracy to violate export laws, smuggling, and money laundering.
If convicted on all charges, Lui could face up to 20 years in prison. The FBI, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are jointly investigating the case. Lui appeared in court for arraignment on October 1.
Key facts
- Alleged illegal chip exports to China via Malaysia and Singapore
- False paperwork used to misrepresent end users
- Charges include conspiracy, smuggling, and money laundering
- Up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges
- FBI and other agencies investigating the case
- Lui arraigned on October 1
Sources
- Tom's HardwareCalifornia tech CEO arrested, faces up to 20 years in prison for smuggling $300 million in Nvidia AI servers to China