DeepSeek Suspected of Using Smuggled Nvidia Blackwell Chips for AI Training
15:03, 11.12.2025
Chinese startup DeepSeek has found itself at the center of yet another scandal. Previously, the company was suspected of using illegal Nvidia Hopper chips, and now new allegations suggest it is using the latest Nvidia Blackwell accelerators to train its AI models. Both cases are considered illegal due to strict U.S. export restrictions.
Reports indicate that the chips may have been delivered to China through an illicit and complex scheme: first shipped to countries not affected by the restrictions, then dismantled into parts, smuggled into China, and reassembled there.
Nvidia’s Response
Nvidia stated that it has not received any evidence confirming this scheme but is reviewing all information related to the matter.
President Trump recently allowed the shipment of older H200 accelerators to China, but despite this, shipments of advanced Blackwell and upcoming Rubin chips remain prohibited. Because of this, DeepSeek’s alleged illegal use of the chips could lead to serious consequences.