George S. May Business Blog

Rio Tinto employee snatched up: When you mess with the bull, you get the horns

An Australian man working for the massive world mining company, Rio Tinto, is, reportedly, being held in Chinese custody on suspicion of espionage and stealing state secrets.

The Rio Tinto gentleman, Stern Hu, has actually been in custody, along with three other Chinese co-workers, since Sunday.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the reason for Hu’s detention “came as a surprise” to the Australian government; a sentiment that was practically echoed by a spokesman from Rio Tinto:

 ”We are not aware of any evidence that would support such an investigation,” spokesman Nick Cobban told CNN. “We will continue to work to support our employees and their families.”

A spokesman at the Chinese government press office in Shanghai said they were aware of the story but could not confirm the arrest.

Now, I am no spy, nor do I have the slightest bit of inside information, BUT, does anyone else think that this may have something to do with the fact that the $19.2 BILLION deal between state-owned Chinalco and Rio Tinto just fell apart? Here is that story for reference.

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