KUALA LUMPUR – Fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho’s purported extravagant lifestyle was laid bare in a New York court, especially when he allegedly lost US$1.75 million (RM7.34 million) in 90 minutes at a baccarat table in Las Vegas.
Prosecution witness and long-time marketing executive at The Venetian Kirk Godby told the jury that Low was a “premium guest” who is “extremely extravagant” and had requests such as “disco balls, dance floors and DJs”.
He added that Low lost about US$26 million in total, reported Bloomberg.
The first 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) bond deal closed in May 2012.
Godby then testified that then Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was seen gambling with Low at the hotel late November in 2010, and apparently lost US$22,500 at the baccarat table.
Low, who was playing at the same table, had placed US$4 million in bets, added the witness.
In explaining his job at the hotel, Godby told the jurors that casinos have records of wagers made wagers through loyalty cards, and in turn furnish complimentary services to those guests.
Previously, the jury was told that Low celebrated his 28th birthday at Caesars Palace and paid Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio US$150,000 to join the party.
Ng is the only Goldman Sachs banker to stand trial for his involvement in the 1MDB financial scandal. Prosecution is looking at Godby’s testimony as means to refute Ng’s claims made to his bosses in October 2009 that he only met Low once.
Goldman Sachs senior legal executive Stephen O’Flaherty reportedly told the jury that Low’s name was brought to his attention following Ng’s recommendation.
Ng has been charged with conspiring with former boss Tim Leissner and Low in the 1MDB fraud.
Leissner has pleaded guilty and is presently cooperating with the US government by becoming its star witness in the case.
The trial resumes Monday and prosecutors are expecting to wrap up their case by March 23. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022
