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Malaysia to charge former PM Najib Razak’s stepson, Riza Aziz, with money laundering
- The Hollywood film producer was called in for questioning by anti-corruption authorities in Malaysia last year
- US officials say his production company used 1MDB funds to bankroll big budget movies like The Wolf of Wall Street and Dumb and Dumber to
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Riza Aziz, the Malaysian producer of the The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of money laundering as part of investigations into the 1MDB scandal, officials said.
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He was detained in Malaysia after questioning by corruption investigators and will appear in court on Friday to face charges, said Latheefa Koya, head of the anti-corruption agency.
Riza is the stepson of Malaysia’s disgraced ex-leader Najib Razak, and the son of the country’s former first lady Rosmah Mansor. Both Najib and Rosmah have been charged over the plundering of state fund 1MDB. Riza was also questioned last year by the agency over alleged theft and money-laundering.
“I confirm (Riza) has been arrested today and was released on bail,” Latheefa said, adding he would face charges under laws related to money-laundering.
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A second agency official, who spoke anonymously, also said the arrest was linked to investigations into 1MDB.
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