Nvidia Launches Independent Investigation Into CEO Jensen Huang Over Alleged Chinese Espionage Plot

Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into allegations that its chief executive, Jensen Huang, was targeted in a Chinese intelligence operation, placing the head of the world's largest computer chipmaker under increased scrutiny over his reported connections to a suspected intelligence asset.

In a statement released Sunday, November 8, Nvidia said its board of directors had decided to initiate an independent review following recent reports about the alleged foreign intelligence effort. The investigation will be supervised by a committee of independent directors and supported by outside independent legal counsel.

Huang has expressed full support for the investigation and agreed to cooperate with the review. Nvidia's board said it had no reason to believe that national security interests or the company's confidential information had been compromised, but stressed that it would examine all available information.

Nvidia Board Investigates Jensen Huang Over Alleged Chinese Espionage Connections

"The NVIDIA Board is initiating an independent investigation in light of recent reporting that founder and CEO Jensen Huang has been the target of a foreign intelligence effort," the company said in its statement.

The board also emphasized its commitment to protecting American national and economic security, describing those priorities as central to Nvidia and its shareholders.

Despite the allegations, Nvidia expressed confidence in Huang and his executive leadership team.

The investigation follows a report by The New York Times late last month alleging that Huang had been targeted in a Chinese espionage operation involving a woman identified as Alice Huang.

Alice Huang, described in the report as a senior executive at Singapore-based data company Megaspeed International, was reportedly identified by U.S. intelligence officials as someone who had been passing information to Beijing. The report also alleged that she had developed a close relationship with Jensen Huang.

The Chinese government rejected the allegations, describing them as "baseless and purely slanderous smears against China."

Neither Alice Huang nor Megaspeed International responded to ABC News' request for comment following the publication of the report.

When the allegations first emerged, an Nvidia spokesperson told ABC News that Jensen Huang's interactions with Alice Huang were not unusual and were consistent with his responsibilities as the company's chief executive.

Jensen Huang Apologizes to Wife and Children in Internal Nvidia Message

Alongside Sunday's announcement, Nvidia provided ABC News with an internal message Huang had sent to employees in which he acknowledged being unfaithful to his wife.

"My actions hurt her and our children. There is no excuse for what I did. I am deeply sorry," Huang wrote.

The message did not identify Alice Huang or mention any other individual.

Huang also addressed his responsibilities to Nvidia employees, business partners and shareholders, acknowledging that his actions had affected the trust placed in him.

"My responsibility is to serve you and be worthy of your trust. I have fallen short of that responsibility. I am fully committed to NVIDIA and will work to earn back your confidence," he said.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to the company and the United States, stating that he was determined to protect Nvidia and support American national security.

"I love our country and our company. I am committed to protecting NVIDIA and supporting America’s national security. I am proud and grateful to be an American," Huang added.

US Congress Seeks Answers From Nvidia CEO Over Reported Chinese Intelligence Links

The allegations have also drawn attention from Republican lawmakers on the House Select Committee on China.

Following The New York Times report, congressional Republicans sent Huang a letter requesting that he attend a closed-door briefing on November 18 to address his reported relationship with Alice Huang.

The letter, sent by committee leaders, cited concerns about China's potential access to sensitive American technology and information.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Elon Musk Says Tesla-SpaceX Merger Is a “Good Idea” as Companies Form Special Committees

"Recent reports raise significant national security concerns regarding the PRC's access to sensitive U.S. technology and information," the lawmakers wrote.

It remains unclear whether Huang will attend the requested briefing.

Meanwhile, Nvidia has maintained that the investigation will not interrupt the company's operations or Huang's leadership.

"Today’s news will not slow NVIDIA. Jensen is committed to continuing to lead NVIDIA as CEO without interruption," an Nvidia spokesperson told ABC News on Sunday.

The company's announcement makes clear that Huang will remain in his position while the independent investigation proceeds.