New | Disappearance of China Aircraft leasing chief fuels speculation of graft probe widening to aviation
With Mike Poon's whereabouts unknown, talk turns to aviation as target of graft investigators
Mystery surrounding the whereabouts of China Aircraft Leasing Group's chief executive and second-biggest shareholder Mike Poon Ho Man is fuelling market talk of a possible widening of anti-corruption investigations into China'st fast-growing aviation sector.
China Aircraft requested a trading halt on Thursday as Poon, 42, who founded the company in 2006 before getting state-owned China Everbright Group on board as the controlling shareholder, was reported missing.
Several people with business contacts with China Aircraft said Poon disappeared more than a month ago. "Nobody knows where he is," one told the South China Morning Post.
A company spokeswoman said Poon is on "paid leave" between May 18 and June 26, according to company records, but a press release yesterday from engine company Pratt and Whitney cited Poon as commenting on an order agreement for 18 engines it had signed with China Aircraft at the Paris Airshow.
The firm said it was a pre-prepared release with quotes attributed to Poon. "He is not in Paris," the spokeswoman said.
She also declined to comment on market speculation Poon was involved in an anti-corruption investigation related to China Southern Airlines, but said: "The company has not received any inquiry of any investigation."