Super Micro shares fall 12% after the Justice Department reportedly launched an investigation into the company

Super-microcomputer Shares fell more than 12% on Thursday after the Justice Department reportedly launched an investigation into the company, which has been one of the main beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence boom.

The investigation is in its early stages, according to a Wall Street Journal report, and comes after Hindenburg Research disclosed a short position in the company in late August. Hindenburg said it found “new evidence of accounting manipulation,” the report said. CNBC could not independently verify Hindenburg's claims.

Super Micro makes computers that companies use as servers for websites, data storage and other applications, including AI algorithms. The company's customers include major AI companies such as Nvidia, AMD and Intel.

A prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Francisco has asked for information about a former employee who previously accused Super Micro of accounting violations, the Journal reported.

Following Hindenburg's report in August, Super Micro said it would not file its annual report for the past fiscal year with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on time, sending shares plunging nearly 20 percent. It is not clear whether the delay was related to the company's report.

Hindenburg, Super Micro and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.