Chinese Billionaire Jack Ma Suspected Missing

Chinese Billionaire Jack Ma Suspected Missing

There are speculations that Chinese billionaire Jack Ma may be missing especially after reports surfaced that the businessman has not made any public appearance in more than two months.

The Alibaba founder also failed to appear as scheduled in the final episode of his own talent show, Africa’s Business Heroes, which gives budding African entrepreneurs the chance to compete for a slice of US $1.5 million.

Ma was supposed to be part of the judging, but was replaced by an Alibaba executive in the November final, UK’s Telegraph reported. His picture was also taken off the website.

An Alibaba spokesperson said Ma was unable to take part on the judging panel “due to a schedule conflict”, according to Financial Times.

Ma’s business empire, Ant Group, has been under scrutiny by Beijing ever since Ma delivered a controversial speech in Shanghai on October 24 that criticised China’s regulation system for stifling innovation and likened global banking rules to an “old people’s club.”