AstraZeneca Employees Detained in China Over Alleged Illegal Activities

Chinese authorities have detained five current and former AstraZeneca employees in connection with potential illegal activities. The detained individuals, all Chinese citizens, worked in the company's oncology division to market cancer drugs. AstraZeneca acknowledged the investigation but declined to provide further information.

The police in China have detained five current and former employees of AstraZeneca for questioning about potential illegal activities, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

In a statement, AstraZeneca acknowledged the investigation, stating, "We are aware a small number of our employees in China are under investigation and we have no further information to share at this point."

According to the report, the individuals being held are all Chinese citizens who marketed cancer drugs in AstraZeneca's oncology division.

(With inputs from agencies.)