chinese tycoon held for harboring fugitive

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324103504578375953305596718.html

SHANGHAI—A statement posted Friday to the website of China's Ministry of Public Security said that Liu Han, a tycoon with investments in mining companies around the world, is being held on suspicion of harboring a family member who was a fugitive from the law.

The Wall Street Journal

Chinese tycoon Liu Han, chairman of Sichuan Hanlong Group, shown in 2010.
The brief statement, which cited information from the state run news agency Xinhua, said Liu Han, 47 years old, is suspected of harboring a fugitive. The statement cited the recent arrest of his brother, 43-year-old Liu Yong. It described the younger man as a person being sought for years on suspicion of murder.

The Ministry of Public Security is akin to China's national police force.

Liu Han couldn't be reached for comment.

The elder Mr. Han is the chairman and owner of Sichuan Hanlong Group, a closely held conglomerate based in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. In recent years, his Hanlong Group has bid over $2 billion for international mining companies. He also has interests in chemical businesses in China.

Colorado-based General Moly Inc. GMO -16.61%said this week talks about a $665 million loan to finance its new mine project in Nevada that was to be arranged and backed by Liu Han's business are suspended until there is more known about what happened. Sundance Resources Ltd. SDL.AU -6.67%and Moly Mines Ltd., MOL.AU -4.00%two Australia-based companies in which Liu Han is a major shareholder, said they are also seeking information about his whereabouts.

—Yang Jie contributed to this article.