Uncle from America? Smuggled AI servers worth $300,000,000 to China

A California resident, Greg Louis (38), is accused of running a smuggling network of AI servers worth $300,000,000 to China. The equipment was smuggled through Malaysia and Singapore in violation of export laws. The arrest comes amid Washington's efforts to curb Beijing's technological advancement.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Greg Louis (38), a California resident also known as 'Yu Kong Louis', on suspicion of running a smuggling network of AI servers worth over $300,000,000 to China. Louis, owner of the technology company 'Earthmade Computer', is accused of operating a global smuggling operation between 2023 and 2024 using the company as a cover. The method: the equipment, which included critical components for artificial intelligence applications, was first sent to Malaysia and Singapore—countries that do not require a special export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce—and from there re-exported illegally to its final destination in China. The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to violate export regulations, smuggling, and money laundering. The arrest joins a series of legal actions by the federal government to block China's access to advanced American computing technology, in an attempt to prevent the transfer of chips that could enhance China's military capabilities.