On Wednesday, he announced he had transferred his entire controlling stake in Chinese Estates, worth an estimated HK$16.99 billion, to his wife and son.

Some analysts questioned the motive behind the move.

“All his moves, including the announcement of the new marriage and the latest share transfer, were too hasty,” one analyst said. “It’s too high profile ... The possibility can’t be ruled out that the rich man is playing financial tricks and trying to transfer the assets.”

The share transfer needed a waiver from local stock market operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, as listing rules ban directors from dealing in shares during the 60 days prior to the ­announcement of a company’s ­results – in this case, on March 9.

But the company in its stock exchange filing cited “Lau’s very unstable health” and a need to ­restructure “during his lifetime”.

Chan is an executive director and Lau Ming-wai is chairman of Chinese Estates.

He married Chan, a former ­celebrity journalist and his long-time partner, after announcing in November last year his break-up with then-girlfriend Dr Yvonne Lui Lai-kwan through several full-page newspaper statements.

Lau was sentenced to five years and three months in jail in absentia, but remains free in Hong Kong because of the lack of arendition agreement between the two cities.

Additional reporting by Laura He