Local media, including the China Daily newspaper, claim Shi was prevented from leaving China over the weekend while officials looked into possible irregularities in Suntech’s financial accounts before the company’s main subsidiary was pushed into insolvency last week.

Officials believe that past deals in which Shi was involved may have indirectly contributed to Suntech’s insolvency, according to reports.

However, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs contradicted the reports, telling Australian media that Shi “has not been detained and is not subject to travel restrictions”.