China’s state media report that Chinese prosecutors have charged four staff members employed by the huge Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto with corporate espionage and bribery.



The official Xinhua news agency stated that preliminary investigations have indicated that the four employees, Stern Hu, Liu Caikui, Ge Minqiang and Wang Yong, had obtained commercial secrets of China's steel and iron industry through improper means.



Hu is an Australian national who ran Rio Tinto's Shanghai office, while Liu, Ge and Wang are Chinese citizens.



According to the statement, Chinese prosecutors also "found evidence to prove that the men were involved in commercial bribery." The charges reportedly carry penalties ranging from a fine to seven years in prison.



Chinese investigators have also requested the arrest of Chinese steel company executives suspected of conveying commercial secrets to Rio Tinto. The identity of these executives or how many are being sought was not disclosed.



Rio Tinto Chief Executive Sam Walsh issued a statement that the mining company was surprised by the detentions of its four staff members and added: "Rio Tinto is committed to high standards in business integrity and takes its ethical responsibilities very seriously."