Source:
https://scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3003043/malaysia-seizes-1mdb-suspect-jho-lows-family-mansion
Asia/ Southeast Asia

Malaysia seizes 1MDB suspect Jho Low’s family mansion in Penang, media report says

  • A notice of seizure was posted on the front wall of the house and addressed to a person, who bears the same name as Low’s mother Goh Gaik Ewe
Fugitive financier Jho Low. Photo: SCMP

Malaysian authorities have seized a mansion believed to belong to the family of Low Taek Jho in connection to investigations into the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), the New Straits Times reported.

A notice of seizure dated January 17 was posted on the front wall of the house in Penang state, and addressed to a person, who bears the same name as Low’s mother Goh Gaik Ewe, the paper reported. The notice was issued under Malaysia’s anti-money-laundering and anti-terrorism financing law, the report said.

A spokesman for Low, in a statement issued by his lawyer, said the property was built and completed about 20 years ago, and had never previously been of interest to the Malaysian government. The incident, and the way in which the notice was posted publicly, shows that Low cannot get a fair trial, according to the statement.

Low, known as Jho Low, has been painted by prosecutors, including those in the US as the alleged mastermind of a scheme to siphon money from 1MDB into personal accounts disguised to look like legitimate businesses, and kicking back some of those funds to officials.

The scandal has engulfed Goldman Sachs Inc. and former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, while Low – whose whereabouts aren’t known – has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The seized luxury yacht Equanimity. Photo: EPA-EFE
The seized luxury yacht Equanimity. Photo: EPA-EFE

The Equanimity, a 300-foot ship formerly owned by the fugitive financier, was seized by the Malaysian government last year. The vessel was put up for sale in October after being impounded as part of global attempts to recoup assets allegedly bought with money embezzled through the state fund. As of last month, authorities are still looking for a buyer for it.

Malaysia’s police said in January that they are seeking Low’s parents and an associate as they widen their search for evidence of possible wrongdoing at 1MDB. Authorities are calling for information on Low’s mother and his father, Low Hock Peng, the police said.