Sinopec Group launched an investigation into allegations that a sales manager of its sub-company in north China's Shanxi Province has disappeared with large sums of client money, Beijing Times reported.

The incident was first revealed on the Internet after a netizen alleged the sales manager, named Wu Bo, of Jinzhong Oil Company had run away with oil sales income on August 26, 2011. The netizen also claimed that the company had not reported the theft to the police or investigated this issue, but had embezzled other public funds to prop up the salesman's account on August 31.

Sinopec confirmed Wu's identity last night and said they had launched an investigation into the theft and admitted that he was till at large.

Jinzhong Company reported the theft to the police on October 28, and victims are also suing Jinzhong Company for compensation of more than 5.16 million yuan (US$819,014).

The group also confirmed that some buyers used to transfer money to Wu's personal account to buy oil. Sinopec said they forbade employees from receiving sales money or making payments through individual accounts or credit cards.