The company reported Tuesday that China released five employees from an American due diligence firm who were detained in China more than two years ago as part of a crackdown against foreign consultancies linked to multinationals.
Mintz Group reported that Chinese authorities detained five Chinese employees from its Beijing office and forced it to cease operations in March 2023.
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry later stated that the company was being investigated for “illegal activities” but provided no details.
Mintz’s spokesperson stated in a Tuesday statement that they had “understood” the release of all Chinese nationals who were arrested by the Mintz Group Beijing.
We are grateful to the Chinese authorities for allowing our former colleagues to return home and be with their families.
When asked by journalists on Tuesday if the staff members would be released, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, referred them to “competent officials”.
Mintz, headquartered in New York City, specializes in investigating fraud, corruption, and workplace misconduct accusations, as well as background checks.
According to its website, the company has over 280 investigators working in 12 offices around the world.
China targeted other U.S. firms during its 2023 crackdown on the sector, including consultancies Bain & Company and Capvision.
Analysts warned that Beijing had prioritized national security over international business.
