In this time of chip crisis where the global supply chain has been disrupted and the production and supply of the CPUs and GPUs are finding it hard to catch up to the demand for them. We are seeing an increased number of smuggling cases about CPUs and GPUs.
Recently, we saw the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs officials seizing a total of 308 10th generation Intel processors from two separate smuggling attempts. The first attempt was on June 16th where one of the drivers was acting abnormally. However, after a search of the vehicle and then of the individuals, the officers discovered 256 Intel CPUs, specifically the i7-10700 and i9-10900K models. these models were all strapped to the body and were attached to locations such as the calves and torso. Later it was revealed that the total value of the Intel processors being smuggled was above 800,000 yuan ($123,550).
The second attempt took place on the 26th evening of June. This time the customs officers found 52 Intel processors located in the vehicle seat between the driver and front-seat passenger. What gave away the smugglers this time was the suspicious activity recorded on video of entry and exit vehicles near the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge border.
Recently, due to the shortage of GPUs, the Chinese authorities have started to crack down the cryptocurrency farms, causing many crypto mining groups to travel to other areas such as the Sichuan region. And, it not just china, Ukraine recently in the news stated that their law enforcement individuals have shut down a crypto mining factory that was using almost 4000 PlayStation 4 systems.
Cryptocurrency has seen a rise since before coronavirus was rampant worldwide, and is described as one of the main reasons for the increase of retail prices for the GPUs. Due to the heavy crackdown from Beijing, many of the crypto miners have started to sell their used cars and laptops in China’s second-hand market.
