Billionaire’s absence from public eye sparks uproar

The absence of billionaire founder of Alibaba and Ant Group, Jack Ma from the public since late October 2020 has sparked an uproar.

Recall that on October 24, Ma delivered fiery remarks against China’s financial system to an audience of high-rank officials.

Days later the Chinese authorities abruptly halted Ant’s initial public offering, an act believed to be linked to Ma’s controversial speech.

The Chinese government subsequently told the fintech behemoth, which had thrived in a relatively lax regulatory environment, to “rectify” its business according to the law.

Concurrently, Chinese regulators have launched an unprecedented probe into Alibaba over suspected monopolistic behavior.

Ma is known for his outspoken personality and love for the limelight, so it’s no surprise that his missing from recent events, including the final episode of an African TV program he created, is sparking widespread chatter.

Where is Chinese billionaire Jack Ma? He has not made any public appearance in 2 months. He criticised Chinese regulators and state-owned banks in Shanghai in October. https://t.co/SyIZZOYMqn

— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) January 4, 2021

Chinese billionaire Jack Ma is missing after criticizing the Chinese government. Wow. This would be like the U.S. government kidnapping Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerberg to teach them a lesson. https://t.co/AREly0Ba7M

— Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) January 4, 2021

Billionaire Jack Ma (@JackMa) suspected to be missing shortly after criticizing China’s government.

Chinese authorities launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Alibaba in late December and told Ant Group to restructure its operations.

Report: https://t.co/I5riZJOJ28 pic.twitter.com/5rHS8h3IgF

— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) January 4, 2021