Hong Kong property giant's shares plunge after arrests

Friday, 30 March 2012 10:34

Posted by Muhammad Iqbal

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HONG KONG: Investors dumped shares in Hong Kong real estate giant Sun Hung Kai Properties on Friday after its co-chairmen, billionaire bothers Thomas and Raymond Kwok, were arrested in a major corruption probe.

The stock plunged 15 percent as it resumed trade following the announcement late Thursday that the pair, who head one of Asia's richest families, had been taken into custody over bribery allegations.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said two senior executives and a former senior government official had been detained in connection with alleged bribery offences.

"Another senior executive of the listed company and four others were earlier arrested for their alleged roles in the same case. While enquiries are continuing, no further comments will be made," it said.

The commission did not name the suspects but Sun Hung Kai confirmed the brothers' arrest in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange Thursday.

"The company has been required to provide certain information with regard to the allegations to the ICAC pursuant to a search warrant pertaining to the company's premises," the developer said.

The Kwoks had the full backing of the board and would continue in their current roles as co-chairmen and managing directors, it added.

State-run RTHK television said the city government's former number two, Rafael Hui, had also been arrested. All three suspects had been released after several hours of questioning, it said.

Hui was a key ally of outgoing Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who is also facing corruption allegations over favours he has received from some of the city's powerful tycoons, including trips on luxury jets and yachts.

Sun Hung Kai is the global financial centre's biggest property developer by market capitalisation and the owner of some of the southern city's most prominent landmarks.

Its shares bounced off their early lows but were still 11.8 percent down at HK$98.00 in mid-morning trade.

The Kwoks are Hong Kong's richest real estate moguls with an estimated family wealth of $18.3 billion, second only to the city's richest man, Li Ka-shing, according to Forbes magazine.