Beijing: The mystery disappearance of China's highest paid actress, Fan Bingbing, has embroiled Australian vitamin brand Swisse, which has suspended use of the star's image in its marketing.

A year ago Swisse had trumpeted its coup in signing Fan as its brand ambassador for Australia and China. But the celebrity endorsement is now turning into a cautionary tale of doing business in China.

Speculation is growing that Fan has been secretly arrested by Chinese authorities for tax evasion. Swisse told Fairfax Media that plans for its biggest marketing event of the year, the Chinese Singles Day online sale, are in disarray.

A co-star with Hugh Jackman in the movie X-Men: Days of Future Past, Fan also won multiple awards for her lead role in the 2016 Chinese film, I am not Madam Bovary.