KATHMANDU: A Thailand-based company tied to the country’s national artificial intelligence (AI) initiative is under suspicion for helping divert billions of dollars’ worth of advanced Nvidia chip servers to China in possible violation of United States export controls.

Investigators believe Bangkok-based OBON Corp. acted as a key intermediary in shipments of Super Micro Computer servers containing restricted artificial intelligence semiconductors, with Chinese technology firms including Alibaba reportedly among end users.

The allegations stem from a United States criminal case involving associates of Super Micro Computer’s co-founder, who are accused of using Southeast Asian intermediaries and brokers to bypass restrictions on advanced chip exports to China.

Authorities say the operation involved large-scale server purchases during 2024 and 2025.

The case has raised concerns over oversight of artificial intelligence hardware exports and could increase pressure for stricter United States controls on semiconductor sales to Southeast Asia.