Well-known Chinese businessman Jack Ma was reported missing. The speculation came after reports that the Alibaba and Ant Group millionaire founders had been absent from public view since late October.
The mysterious disappearance of the 56-year-old billionaire reinforces the allegation that he is under the control of the Chinese government.
The business tycoon also failed to appear in the final episode of his reality television program, ‘Africa’s Business Heroes’.
Ma was supposed to be a judge but was replaced in the final episode that took place last November, CNN reported.
An Alibaba spokesperson said Ma could not attend the program as a jury due to ‘schedule conflicts’.
“Regarding the Africa’s Business Heroes competition, Mr. I had to miss the finale due to a schedule conflict, ”said the Alibaba spokesperson.
One of Ma’s business entities, Ant Group, is currently under Beijing monitoring following its controversial statement in Shanghai on October 24 criticizing China’s regulatory system for allegedly blocking innovation.
“What we need is to build a healthy financial system, not systematic financial risks,” he said.
“To innovate without risks is to kill innovation. There’s no innovation without risks in the world,” added Ma.
Since making that statement, Ma has not made a public appearance for about two months.
His last tweet on Twitter was on October 10 last year.
Source: CNN, Tech Radar, Mothership.sg
