Little was known of Wong Kwong-yu's rags-to-riches path until a continuing investigation by mainland authorities uncovered a complex maze of suspected economic crimes and offences involving officials and executives.
The investigation has not only revealed the self-made billionaire's seedy ascent to success but again shows how closely interwoven mainland businesses and politics are capable of stirring a hornet's nest.
Since late November last year, when Wong's alleged offences came to light, an intricate web of deceit dug up by investigators leads back to the founder and former chairman of Gome Electrical Appliances Holding, the country's biggest electrical appliance retailer.
Accusations included one made earlier last year by the China Securities Regulatory Commission, which said Wong manipulated the prices of two A-share firms.
The latest turn came yesterday in the scandal that has already seen a string of corporate executives and government officials, including the country's top crime-buster, fall from grace.
Chu Mang-yee, the chairman of Hong Kong-listed property developer Hopson Development Holdings, is rumoured to be being investigated by Dongguan police for his role in Wong's case and was barred from leaving the country during the Lunar New Year.