DOJ Arrests Two Men for Smuggling $50 Million in Nvidia AI Chips to China as Trump Plans Export Policy Reversal

Dec 10, 2025
Axios
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Summary

DOJ arrests two men for smuggling over $50 million worth of Nvidia AI chips to China through sophisticated networks, just as Trump announces plans to lift export restrictions while demanding a 25% government cut from future sales.

Key Points

  • The Department of Justice detains two men, Fanyue Gong and Benlin Yuan, for allegedly smuggling Nvidia H100 and H200 AI chips to China in violation of U.S. export control laws
  • The arrests occur under 'Operation Gatekeeper' which seizes over $50 million in advanced GPUs destined for China and other restricted locations through a sophisticated smuggling network
  • The charges come as Trump announces plans to lift the blockade on Nvidia H200 chip exports to China while requiring the U.S. government to receive a 25% cut from future sales

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