Jho Low Files Pardon Request With DOJ on 1MDB Charges
Jho Low, charged in 2018 with masterminding the theft of at least $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s 1MDB sovereign wealth fund, has submitted a pardon application to the U.S. Justice Department this year. The request was filed in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. A White House official said the application is not currently on the White House’s radar.
New York PostJho Low, also known as Low Taek Jho, has filed a request for a presidential pardon with the U.S. Department of Justice. A notice on the DOJ’s website lists a pending request for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence” under Taek Jho Low filed this year. The request was submitted in recent weeks, according to people familiar with the matter.
Low was charged in 2018 by federal prosecutors in New York. The charges relate to allegations that he played a central role in the movement of approximately $5 billion from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad, also known as 1MDB. The fund was established to promote economic growth.
The case dates to 2018. Low has not been seen publicly since the charges were filed and has remained out of reach, reportedly moving between countries that lack extradition treaties with the United States. A White House official said Low’s request was not currently on the White House’s radar.
The pardon request represents his latest effort to resolve his legal exposure in this country. Low has denied the charges against him.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2018
Jho Low charged by US prosecutors with masterminding the 1MDB fraud scheme
3 sourcesUS prosecutors · business · New York Post - 2026
Low submits pardon application to US Justice Department
3 sourcesDOJ website notice · Wall Street Journal · business - 2026-05-12
Wall Street Journal reports Low filed pardon request in recent weeks
2 sourcesWall Street Journal · New York Post - 2026-05-13
White House official states Low’s request is not currently on the radar
2 sourcesWhite House official · New York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Low remains a fugitive nearly eight years after 2018 charges
- 02
The application highlights ongoing international efforts to resolve the 1MDB scandal fallout
- 03
A granted pardon would remove all US criminal charges against Low
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
BBC NewsTrump Meets Advisers to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Extension
President Trump said he is holding a Situation Room meeting to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran. The proposed agreement would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
middleeasteye.netTrump to Decide on Iran Deal in Situation Room Meeting
President Trump said Friday he is heading into the Situation Room to make a final determination on a potential agreement with Iran. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and require destruction of Iran's highly-enriched uranium.
realitytea.comTrump Says U.S. Will Lift Iran Naval Blockade After Nuclear and Hormuz Pledges
President Trump stated the U.S. will end its naval blockade of Iran once Tehran commits to forgoing nuclear weapons and opens the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted shipping. The announcement came via Truth Social and a live statement.