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Malaysian customs have shared this week that $12.11 million worth of AI chips were discovered during an inspection. A total of 30 server units, each featuring cutting edge AI chips, were seized from Kuala Lumpur ​International Airport on October 15.

The servers originated from and were to be exported to two different, undisclosed Asian countries, according to Reuters . This should have required a trade permit, though the airport's customs director Aspalila Ag Tuah explained this week, "The ‌servers ⁠were falsely declared as electronic components... and shipped through Malaysia to ensure there would be no restrictions imposed while being exported to the next destination."

A Malaysian firm facilitating the movement of the servers has been called upon to assist in the investigation, though local authorities suspect this goes beyond them.…