Chinese National and Two U.S. Citizens Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Artificial Intelligence Technology to China

# Three Charged in AI Chip Smuggling Conspiracy

Stanley Yi Zheng, a Chinese national, and two U.S. citizens Matthew Kelly and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to smuggle export-controlled artificial intelligence computer chips to China. The defendants allegedly sought millions of dollars' worth of advanced chips from a California-based hardware company for illegal shipment through Thailand.

The charges include smuggling and export control violations. Federal authorities characterize the advanced AI chips as critical to American technological leadership and national security. The Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General are jointly prosecuting the case in the Northern District of Georgia.

Officials emphasized that the conspiracy represents an escalating threat to U.S. national security as foreign adversaries attempt to illegally acquire sensitive technology. The case underscores federal commitment to enforcing export controls and protecting advanced defense technologies from diversion to hostile nations.