[UPDATED] Cops arrest Jho Low’s associate Jasmine Loo

KUALA LUMPUR – Police have arrested Jasmine Loo, an associate of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution told a press conference in Putrajaya that Loo was arrested last Friday and remanded on Saturday.

She was formerly a lawyer with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), and had an Interpol Red Notice for her arrest.

In December 2018, Loo and five others including Low, were charged in absentia with money laundering over transactions involving Low’s company Good Star Ltd and 1MDB’s predecessor, the Terengganu Investment Authority. 

Loo, who was 1MDB’s former general counsel and executive director of group strategy, was charged with two counts of money laundering over US$6 million (RM27.9 million) received in a Swiss account she controlled. She is alleged to have committed these offences on December 6, 2012 and July 1, 2014.

It was reported previously that the US$6 million were funds diverted from the first two 1MDB bond offerings underwritten by Goldman Sachs.

“She is believed to have information regarding 1MDB,” Saifuddin said today.

She was brought to the Dang Wangi district police station where a remand order was issued on July 8 under Section 409 of the Penal Code which covers criminal breach of trust by a public servant, he added.

The law provides for imprisonment of between two and 20 years with whipping, while those guilty may also be liable to a fine.  

“Her (Loo’s) lawyer said that she is ready to give her cooperation to the police and the government,” Saifuddin said.  

Saifuddin declined to comment when asked by reporters where Loo was arrested. – The Vibes, July 12, 2023