Three Australians among 18 Crown Resorts staff held in mainland
Company confirms that ‘a number’ of its employees were being held, including one believed to be a senior executive, Australian media reports
China has reportedly detained at least 18 employees of Australian casino giant Crown Resorts, including three Australians, amid increasing efforts by the Chinese authorities in preventing the outflow of hot money from the country that is believed to have led to the recent dramatic devaluation of Chinese yuan.
The Australian Government said it is aware of reports of the possible detention, and has been in touch with related Chinese authorities in confirming the case.
“Consular officials are seeking to confirm these reports with the relevant Chinese authorities,” Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the South China Morning Post on Saturday in an email.
“If Australians have been detained, consular officials will seek to offer appropriate consular assistance in accordance with the Consular Services Charter,” the statement added.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday that it was trying to understand the situation.