Supermicro launches investigation following case over server exports

Supermicro has opened an independent investigation into possible employee and partner involvement in circumventing export rules for advanced technology.

A U.S. criminal case targets three individuals tied to Supermicro accused of illegally shipping AI-equipped servers to China.

The DOJ says the scheme routed servers from the U.S. through Taiwan and Southeast Asia, repackaging them without clear origin markings.

U.S. authorities estimate billions of dollars’ worth of AI-related technology moved via this route in a relatively short period; Chinese universities and research institutions gained access to restricted servers.

Two individuals have been placed on leave and a third fired; co-founder Yih Shyan Liaw resigned from the board. Two independent board members are leading the probe with external legal and forensic support, and no timeline for completion has been set.