U.S. prosecutors are reportedly probing a Thai AI company over allegations of aiding in the smuggling of Nvidia chips to China. According to Bloomberg’s post on X, the chips—vital for AI advancements—were allegedly distributed to various end users, including Alibaba.

Key Points

• U.S. prosecutors are investigating a scheme involving the diversion of restricted AI semiconductors to China in violation of federal trade regulations.
• OBON Corp., identified as a key player in Thailand’s national AI development, is the entity allegedly serving as the intermediary in this smuggling operation.
• The operation reportedly utilized a “rotating cast” of third-party brokers to obscure the supply chain and move billions of dollars worth of technology.
• Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has been named as one of the end customers receiving the diverted Super Micro servers containing prohibited Nvidia chips.
• The case highlights ongoing challenges for U.S. regulators in enforcing export controls on advanced AI hardware amid high demand from Chinese firms.

Prosecutors allege that this firm acted as a conduit to bypass U.S. trade restrictions, successfully diverting high-end AI hardware to entities including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. through a complex network of third-party brokers.

US prosecutors are said to suspect a Thai AI company of helping smuggle Nvidia chips to China, with Alibaba one of multiple end customers https://t.co/GnwhfEEkwd

— Bloomberg (@business) May 8, 2026

OBON Corp. is reportedly implicated in violating US trade regulations related to high-end AI semiconductors through the following actions:

• Role as a Conduit for Diversion: US prosecutors have identified Bangkok-based OBON Corp. (referred to in legal proceedings as “Company-1”) as the entity responsible for acting as a conduit to smuggle restricted AI semiconductors into China.
• Circumvention of Export Controls: OBON Corp. reportedly functioned as part of a scheme to divert Super Micro Computer Inc. servers, which contain advanced Nvidia Corp. AI chips, to Chinese entities, including Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. This activity is in direct violation of US trade regulations.
• Use of Intermediaries: The operation involved a network of “third-party brokers” and alleged collaboration with a co-founder of Super Micro to successfully circumvent established export controls.
• Strategic Positioning: OBON Corp. is described as a significant player in Thailand’s national artificial intelligence initiatives. This status is notable because the investigation suggests the company utilized this infrastructure to bypass international sanctions.

The smuggling operation employed third-party brokers to redirect Nvidia chips to Chinese customers using specific operational strategies:

• Coordinated Evasion: The scheme involved a collaboration between a co-founder of Super Micro Computer Inc., an unnamed Southeast Asian company (identified as Bangkok-based OBON Corp.), and a “rotating cast” of third-party brokers.
• Purpose of the Network: This network of brokers was utilized to circumvent US trade regulations and export controls that restrict the transfer of high-end AI semiconductors to Chinese entities.
• Logistical Conduit: OBON Corp. acted as the central conduit in this operation, leveraging its position to facilitate the movement of Super Micro servers—which contained advanced Nvidia chips—to end customers in China, such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

The document reveals that these brokers played a crucial role in a larger scheme to redirect billions of dollars’ worth of restricted technology, leveraging corporate networks and personal relationships to circumvent international sanctions.

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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves provided a positive yet cautious update on superstar Anthony Edwards ahead of Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, listing the All-Star guard as questionable with his lingering left knee bone bruise while emphasizing steady progress in his recovery.

Edwards, who made a remarkably quick return from a hyperextension and bone bruise suffered in the first round against the Denver Nuggets, has been a key factor in Minnesota’s 1-1 series tie with San Antonio. The 24-year-old delivered 18 points off the bench in a Game 1 road victory and continued contributing in Game 2 despite limited minutes as the Spurs evened the series.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch confirmed Edwards has participated in on-court activities and is progressing well, but the team will monitor his condition through Friday’s shootaround before making a final decision. “Ant has been pushing hard,” Finch said. “We’re being smart with him because we know how important he is not just for this series but for what we hope is a long run.”

The injury occurred in Game 4 of Minnesota’s first-round series when Edwards landed awkwardly while contesting a shot. Initial fears of a multi-week absence proved overly pessimistic as the dynamic guard returned in just nine days, earning praise for his toughness and rehabilitation discipline. Edwards has described himself as feeling “not limited at all,” though the team continues to manage his workload carefully.

Series Context and Edwards’ Impact

The Timberwolves entered the postseason as the No. 6 seed after a solid regular season but have faced adversity with injuries. Edwards’ availability has been a major boost, providing scoring punch, athleticism and leadership that proved decisive in the Game 1 win over Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Without him at full strength, Minnesota relies heavily on Julius Randle, who has stepped up with strong double-doubles.

San Antonio, led by the towering Wembanyama, has made the series competitive with elite rim protection and young talent. Game 2 saw the Spurs capitalize on Minnesota’s turnovers and fatigue, setting up a critical Game 3 at Target Center where home-court energy could tilt the momentum.

Edwards averaged nearly 29 points per game during the regular season and has embraced a leadership role, mentoring younger teammates while maintaining his explosive playing style. His quick healing has drawn comparisons to his “Wolverine” nickname around the organization, reflecting his high pain threshold and dedication to recovery protocols.

Medical and Recovery Details

The left knee injury involved a hyperextension and bone bruise but no structural ligament damage, according to MRI results. Bone bruises can be unpredictable, often causing lingering soreness and swelling that requires careful load management. Edwards has focused on anti-inflammatory measures, strength exercises and mobility work to avoid stiffness.

Medical experts note that players with Edwards’ explosiveness must balance aggressive rehab with risk mitigation. Returning too soon could lead to compensatory injuries elsewhere, while sitting too long risks rust and loss of rhythm. The Timberwolves’ medical staff has earned praise for navigating this balance effectively.

Edwards himself expressed optimism after recent sessions. “I don’t think I’m limited at all,” he told reporters. “Whatever coach needs from me, I’m ready.” His presence off the bench has already provided a spark, though full starting-lineup minutes would represent another step forward.

Broader Playoff Implications

A Timberwolves victory in Game 3 would give them a 2-1 series lead and home-court advantage in a best-of-seven format that favors the more experienced squad. Minnesota’s defensive identity, anchored by players like Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert when healthy, pairs well with Edwards’ offensive firepower.

For the Spurs, maintaining pressure on Edwards’ knee through physical play remains a strategic focus. Wembanyama’s record-setting blocks in Game 1 highlighted San Antonio’s defensive potential, but Minnesota’s depth has proven resilient.

NBA analysts view this series as a pivotal test for both franchises. The Timberwolves aim to build on their recent playoff momentum, while the young Spurs seek to establish themselves as legitimate contenders. Edwards’ health could ultimately decide the outcome.

Fan and Team Reactions

Target Center is expected to be electric for Game 3, with fans eager to welcome Edwards back at closer to full strength. Social media has been flooded with support for the star, who has become a beloved figure in Minnesota for his charisma and on-court dominance.

Teammates have rallied around him throughout the recovery process. Randle and others have shouldered extra minutes, demonstrating the team’s collective resilience. Finch has stressed a “next man up” mentality while protecting Edwards’ long-term availability.

What to Watch in Game 3

If Edwards starts or plays extended minutes, expect increased pace and scoring opportunities for the Timberwolves. His ability to attack the rim and stretch the floor with threes forces defenses to adjust, potentially opening lanes for teammates. Monitoring his movement and explosiveness in warmups will provide the clearest pre-game indicator.

Regardless of his final status, the Timberwolves emphasize preparation and execution. The series remains highly competitive, with both teams capable of winning on any given night. Edwards’ presence, even limited, elevates Minnesota’s ceiling significantly.

As Game 3 approaches, all eyes remain on the Timberwolves’ injury report and Edwards’ determined push to contribute at the highest level. His resilience has already inspired fans and teammates alike, adding another compelling chapter to Minnesota’s playoff journey.

Shares of Coforge jumped 6% on Friday to hit an intraday high of Rs 1,359.7 apiece on the NSE, extending their strong rebound. The stock has climbed over 16% in the past three sessions as upbeat Q4 results fuelled bullish brokerage views. Coforge has now bounced back nearly 35% in under two months from its 52-week low of Rs 1,008.10 recorded on March 17.

Coforge Q4 Results

Coforge on May 5 reported a net profit of Rs 612.3 crore for the January-March quarter of the financial year 2026, marking a whopping 134% surge from the Rs 261.2 crore net profit reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. Its revenue from operations, meanwhile, jumped 30% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 4,450 crore during the quarter under review.

Speaking about the performance, Coforge CEO Sudhir Singh said, “FY26 marked another year of exceptional performance for Coforge. We delivered strong YoY growth at 29.2% and expanded EBIT margins materially by 370 bps to 14.4%. With an order executable of $1.75 billion, we enter FY27 with strong momentum and confidence. We expect to deliver robust revenue growth in FY27 and plan to deliver an EBITDA of more than 20.5% on a consolidated basis in FY27.”

Should you buy, sell or hold Coforge shares?

The international brokerage said the IT company’s Q4 results beat expectations, supported by stronger-than-anticipated margins and improved free cash flow conversion. It highlighted solid deal wins and a 16% YoY increase in the executable order book, which, despite the ongoing clean-up of the low-margin India business, offers visibility for double-digit organic growth.

Jefferies raised its earnings estimates by 9–11% on a better margin outlook and now expects a 23% EPS CAGR over FY27–29, noting that valuations at 19x one-year forward PE remain attractive.
Nomura also has a ‘Buy’ rating on Coforge shares and raised the target price to Rs 2,100 after the Q4 results. This indicates a 63% upside potential. The international brokerage noted that the company secured six large deals worth $648 million in Q4, while the executable order book for the next 12 months grew 16% year-on-year to $1.752 billion.

The brokerage noted that this excludes framework agreements from US public services, which could provide additional support to growth. It expects flat sequential performance in Q1 FY27 due to the ongoing exit from low-margin India operations, but believes Coforge will still outperform industry growth through FY27. The acquisition of Encora, completed in April, is projected to add roughly $550 million in revenue in FY27, while core organic growth is estimated at around 11%.

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Nuvama Institutional Equities and Motilal Oswal also have ‘Buy’ calls on the shares of Coforge, while Elara Capital recently upgraded its rating for the IT stock to ‘Accumulate’.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Amazing Thailand x Harley-Davidson Media Fam Trip showcased southern Thailand’s motorcycle touring routes, highlighting local culture, landscapes, and communities, promoting travel as a high-value experience under “Healing is the New Luxury.”

Motorcycle Touring in Southern Thailand

Bangkok, 7 May 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Harley-Davidson Asia partnered to host the Amazing Thailand x Harley-Davidson Media Fam Trip from 2 to 4 May 2026. This event highlighted Hat Yai, Songkhla, and Phatthalung as unique motorcycling destinations in southern Thailand. Designed under the theme “Unforgettable Experiences: Healing is the New Luxury,” the initiative seeks to elevate motorcycle touring as a premium travel segment.

A Journey through Culture and Scenery

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, emphasized the trip’s role in promoting southern Thailand’s scenic beauty and cultural diversity. The three-day journey kicked off at Harley-Davidson Hat Yai, engaging executives, media, and influencers. Participants traveled through picturesque routes, exploring local communities, cultural landmarks, and natural attractions. Highlights included Hat Yai Street Art, Songkhla Old Town, and Phatthalung’s Tai Nod Market, showcasing the region’s charm and culinary delights.

Impact and Future Endeavors

The event drew prominent figures like Malaysian actor Elizad Sharifuddin and garnered over 20 million impressions, bolstering awareness of Thailand’s motorcycle routes. A Cars and Coffee gathering at Songkhla Public Park further engaged automotive enthusiasts from across the region. TAT and Harley-Davidson Asia plan to continue their collaboration, focusing on innovative route development and sustainable tourism, aligning with Thailand’s broader travel goals.

Source : TAT and Harley Davidson position southern Thailand as premier motorcycle touring destination

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