Metersbonwe chief Zhou believed to be under investigation

Another high-profile business executive is reported to have lost contact with his employer, after being detained by the police to help with investigations into possible insider trading and stock manipulation.

Zhou Chengjian, the chairman of youth fashion brand Shanghai Metersbonwe Fashion and Accessories Co Ltd, is believed to have been taken into custody, although the company's public relations department refused to confirm details.

The Shenzhen-listed company halted trading on Thursday, saying in a statement that it had adopted the measure in the interests of its shareholders.