China has some very tough laws, they were based out of Hong Kong. Even a totally innocent person would be wise to leave that jurisdiction in such a situation and sort it out from abroad. In fact, the owner can likely do more for the customers while free in another country than locked up in China while they conduct an investigation. I think this was an inside job but perpetrated by an employee or ex employee and not the owner(s). No reason why they would kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.