The Chinese hotel group Huazhu reported that nearly 500 million pieces of information relating to its customers had been hacked. A hard blow for the Chinese operator of hotel brands, including those of the French group AccorHotels.

On Wednesday, August 29, Chinese police announced they are opening an investigation into a possible cyber attack against the Huazhu group. Almost 500 million pieces of information concerning its customers have reportedly been hacked; this information concerns their bookings and check-ins, but could also include more personal data.

The Huazhu group, which ensures a place of choice in the Chinese hospitality sector, has substantial databases oncustomers of hotels of all categories. It currently operates 18 brands in the Middle Kingdom, including those of the AccorHotels hotel group, ibis and Mercure.