Jho Low Submits U.S. Presidential Pardon Application in 1MDB Case

U.S. presidential pardon that could remove criminal charges against him in the United States. The US Justice Department website lists a pending request under the name Taek Jho Low for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence” that was filed this year.

Low, whose legal name is Low Taek Jho, faces multiple charges including corruption and money laundering in the US and Malaysia. 5bn from 1MDB, the state fund at the center of one of the world’s biggest financial frauds. The 1MDB scandal began to unfold in 2015.

Low has consistently denied wrongdoing. His whereabouts is unknown. Authorities have previously said Low was believed to be in China, although Beijing has denied it. A White House official said Low’s request was not on its radar.

In Kuala Lumpur, Johari Abdul Ghani, the chair of a Malaysian taskforce seeking to recover funds and assets linked to 1MDB worldwide and also the trade minister, said Low’s request should be denied. Johari Abdul Ghani said the US should instead assist Malaysia in locating him for further investigations. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m against the pardon,” Johari Abdul Ghani said.

He added that he was unaware of any talks between Low and Malaysia to return assets. The request has landed awkwardly for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, which is attempting to recover stolen 1MDB assets while demonstrating that the country’s post-2018 anti-corruption efforts retain momentum.

Malaysia had temporarily lifted an Interpol red notice against Low to facilitate the return of significant assets to the country.