Chinese authorities detain investors over scandal

Beijing

Chinese authorities have detained many investors from Shandong province after they spoke to foreign media about a large financial scandal. These investors lost their money in a fraud involving the Jianghaihui Group, a government-supported financial company. The fraud is believed to involve 20 billion yuan (about USD 2.74 billion), leaving nearly 100,000 people affected.

The investors, who wanted to raise awareness about the situation, shared their stories with international news outlets like Radio Free Asia (RFA). They hoped their actions would bring attention to the scandal and encourage action from authorities. However, Chinese officials claim these investors were "exploited by overseas anti-China elements" and detained for sharing news with foreign journalists.

Reports say that over a dozen investors from cities like Weifang and Zaozhuang have been detained. Most of those detained were women, and some were recently released, though others are still in custody. The authorities have also questioned and monitored these individuals closely. The scandal began when Jianghaihui suddenly stopped operating, and its chairman fled to the United States with his wife.

This incident has raised concerns about China’s tight control over information and the treatment of those who speak out about financial crimes. Many of the affected investors are still waiting for justice.