Key Takeaways
- Taiwanese authorities raided Super Micro Computer (SMCI) offices as part of a widening criminal investigation into the illegal diversion of high-end Nvidia (NVDA) AI chips to China.
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines announced a $10 billion order for up to 40 Airbus (AIR) widebody jets, marking the largest investment in the carrier's history as it targets aggressive long-haul expansion.
- Super Micro shares fell over 8% following reports of the raids, which targeted 12 locations and multiple affiliates suspected of using forged documents to bypass US-aligned export controls.
- The SAS deal focuses on the Airbus A330 family, including the new A330-900neo and additional A330-300s, to strengthen the airline's Copenhagen hub and connect Scandinavia with key international markets.
Taiwan Widens Probe into Nvidia Chip Diversion via Super Micro
Taiwanese investigators escalated their crackdown on the unauthorized shipment of restricted technology to China on Tuesday. The Keelung District Prosecutors Office conducted raids on the Taiwan offices of Super Micro Computer (SMCI), along with data center operator Chief Telecom and distributor Albatron Technology. This marks an expansion of the island's first major criminal probe into the smuggling of Nvidia (NVDA) artificial intelligence chips.
The investigation centers on allegations that roughly 50 high-end AI servers were shipped to China, Macau, and Hong Kong using forged customs declarations to misrepresent their final destinations. Prosecutors have increased the number of suspects under investigation to nine, following the initial detention of three individuals in May. While Super Micro itself has not been charged, the company stated it is "working closely with Taiwanese authorities" to ensure its products are distributed lawfully.
This enforcement action highlights Taiwan's increasing pressure from Washington to align with US export controls. Although Taiwan is still drafting formal laws to ban AI chip exports to China, prosecutors are currently utilizing document forgery and breach of trust charges to curb the flow of advanced hardware that could potentially support Beijing's military modernization.
SAS Signals Long-Haul Ambitions with Massive Airbus Commitment
In a transformative move for the Scandinavian aviation sector, SAS AB has committed to purchasing up to 40 Airbus (AIR) widebody aircraft. With a total list price exceeding $10 billion, the deal represents the highest-value aircraft order ever placed by the carrier. The investment is designed to fuel a five-year growth plan that includes thousands of new jobs and several new international flight routes.
The order is strategically split between the Airbus A330-900neo for long-term modernization and the A330-300 to support immediate capacity needs. By opting for an all-Airbus widebody fleet, SAS aims to maximize operational efficiency through "commonality," avoiding the significant costs associated with training pilots and engineers for a mixed fleet that would have included Boeing (BA) models.
CEO Anko van der Werff described the move as a "natural fit" for the airline as it emerges from its 2024 restructuring under a new ownership group led by Air France-KLM. The new jets will be stationed primarily at the airline's Copenhagen hub, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and global economic centers. Deliveries for the newest models are expected to begin in the early 2030s, while the A330-300s will provide a bridge for near-term growth.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.