MACC in talks to extradite 1MDB fugitives, including Jho Low

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is in talks with several countries believed to be hideaways of eight fugitives, including Low Taek Jho, who are linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) financial scandal.

Aside from Low, better known as Jho Low, it is understood that SRC International Sdn Bhd’s former chief executive Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil, 1MDB lawyer Jasmine Loo, and former 1MDB executive director Casey Tang are included on an extradition list.

A source told Utusan Malaysia that initial information found that they were previously hiding in Macau, China and Thailand, and their current locations are being determined.

“It is complicated because they often change their hiding places to avoid detection by the authorities. Not only Jho Low, but seven to eight individuals are currently being tracked by MACC.

“In fact, negotiations are being carried out with the countries where they were hiding initially.” 

Meanwhile, an associate of Jho Low, who is a businessman, has been extradited to Malaysia after fleeing the country five years ago and found to be hiding in Macau.

According to the source, a search of the businessman’s house on May 3 resulted in the freezing of approximately RM30 million, including assets and accounts linked to 1MDB.

“The investigation is still being carried out by MACC to track finances linked to the 1MDB funds.”

It was previously reported that the associate received funds from 1MDB and SRC International from a company called Wright Shaw Ltd and Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia.

MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki had said the agency is working to repatriate more 1MDB-linked assets from Singapore.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim admitted that the process to extradite Low is very complicated, and Putrajaya is negotiating with various countries to expedite it.

Anwar, however, did not confirm if Low is currently hiding in China as speculated.

“Yes, we want him back as soon as possible, that has been our position. We have been very tough from day one. But of course it is a complicated process. It involves many countries, intelligence services, Interpol, et cetera.”

Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that an Interpol red notice remained active against Low, Tang, Loo, Nik Faisal, former 1MDB executive director of finance Terence Geh, and Low’s alleged associate Eric Tan. – The Vibes, May 8, 2023