A top media company was placed in hot water after authorities detained its general manager and editor-in-chief.

Authorities have arrested the pair from 21st Century Media after the writers and editors from the group’s website were alleged of extortion, reported Xinhua.

21st Century Media editor-in-chief Shen Hao and General Manager Chen Dongyang were arrested. The company is affiliated with Nanfang Daily Media Group, reported Xinhua.

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Hao and Chen were later dismissed from their positions and was replaced by Deputy Editor-in Chief Wang Yijun and Nanfang Daily business department director, Guo Yile.

21st Century Media has several offices throughout the country including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. However, Xinhua did not identify from which office the pair was taken off. The report only said police arrived at the media office around noon. After searching the premise, authorities took Shen and Chen, reported 163news.com, citing witnesses who were present at the time.

In Shanghai, eight others were also detained earlier this month including the website’s president Liu Dong and editor-in-chief Zhou Bin. There were also other staff, reporters and two PR companies that were held following the arrest.

The license for the website was also revoked.

The main products of 21st Century Media include Money Weekly magazines, 21st Century Business Review and their website 21cbh.com.

21cbh.com staff allegedly convinced business firms to sign what they refer to as advertising contracts valued 200,000 yuan to 300,000 yuan. In return, they would be given positive coverage. However, if they decline to the offer, they would be given otherwise.

According to a report from Xinhua, the website was able to raise from “contracts” over 100 million yuan. After the allegations surfaced, Shen Hao sent 900 employees a letter which read:

“My heart is as heavy as lead, but we will take no tolerance on any employee who dare to violate the law or journalism ethics. We hope those who were taken away keep a positive mood and stay healthy, and we will spare no effort to help their family members. We believe in the justice of the law.”

Tags21st Century Media, Chen Dongyang, Xinhua, Nanfang Daily Media Group, Liu Dong, Zhou Bin, Money Weekly Magazine, 21cbh.com, 21st Century Business Review