CNA Explains: What are honey traps and how have they evolved in modern espionage?

Résumé détaillé

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to an affair amid reports that the woman involved is a suspected Chinese spy. The controversy has put the spotlight on an age-old espionage…

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to an affair amid reports that the woman involved is a suspected Chinese spy. The controversy has put the spotlight on an age-old espionage tactic - honey traps.

BEIJING: An extramarital affair, allegations of Chinese espionage and one of the world’s most powerful technology executives at the centre of the storm.

Nvidia boss Jensen Huang admitted on Sunday (Nov 8) to being unfaithful to his wife of more than 40 years, following reports he had developed an intimate relationship with a suspected Chinese spy.

Alice Huang, who is not related to Jensen Huang, is said to be a former executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed International.

United States authorities reportedly identified the woman, also known as Huang Le, as a Chinese intelligence asset, raising questions about whether the Nvidia founder had been targeted in an espionage operation.

Nvidia's board has launched an independent investigation, although the company has said it has no reason to believe its secrets or US national security had been compromised. Meanwhile, China has dismissed the espionage allegations as groundless and a smear campaign.

The controversy has cast fresh light on an age-old spying tactic - the honey trap.

Imagine a seemingly chance encounter with an attractive stranger at a hotel bar, or a flirtatious exchange at a social gathering that blossoms into romance.

What appears to be a budding relationship could, in fact, be a carefully orchestrated intelligence operation.

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