CHINESE authorities have announced the grounds for the arrest of the four Rio Tinto Shanghai employees who have been detained.
While the mining company understands that no formal charges have been laid, an arrest warrant has been issued that enables the authorities to continue the detention of the employees during further investigations.
The grounds of arrest for further detention relate to allegations of obtaining Chinese steel industry commercial secrets in breach of the provisions of Article 219 of the Chinese Criminal Law pertaining to the crime of violating commercial secrets. As well as, allegations of commercial bribery in breach of the provisions of Article 163 of the Chinese Criminal Law pertaining to receipt of bribes by non-State personnel.
Sam Walsh, chief executive iron ore, says Rio Tinto will strongly support its employees in defending these allegations. Walsh says that from all the information available to the company, it continues to believe that our employees have acted properly and ethically in their business dealings in China.
Walsh says that the issue of the arrest warrant is of great concern. But he respects the Chinese legal system and hopes to see a transparent process for the employees, including access to legal representation.
Senior managers from Rio Tinto have contacted the families of the four detained employees and will continue to provide support to ensure their welfare.
Rio Tinto is working to resolve this matter and continues its business operations in China, including the maintenance of high levels of iron ore shipments from Australia.
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