Nicky Liow, Malaysian fugitive linked to ex-Macau triad boss ‘Broken Tooth’ Wan Kuok-koi, surrenders, to be charged: police
- Nicky Liow Soon Hee, renowned for his links to former Macau crime chief Wan Kuok-koi, has given himself up in Kuala Lumpur
- He was one of nation’s most wanted men and will now face 26 criminal charges, including for money laundering; he is due in court on Tuesday
The 34-year-old gave himself up at the national police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Monday morning, the Royal Malaysian Police Force said in a statement, adding that Liow would be charged in court on Tuesday.
Until now, he has been one of the country’s most wanted men, alongside the 1MDB scandal mastermind Jho Low. Liow has been a fugitive since last April when he was charged in absentia for being a member of an organised crime group.
The country’s national police chief Abdul Hamid Bador, now retired, said in March last year that 68 people arrested that month had links to the so-called “Gang Nicky”. Among them were police officers as well as individuals with the prestigious titles ‘Datuk’ and ‘Datuk Seri’, equivalent to the British ‘Sir’.
While officials like Abdul Hamid have said they knew Liow was in the country, why he was not in custody before now was unclear.
According to instructions from the Attorney General’s Chambers, the commercial crimes department filed charges against Liow on March 23 under the country’s Anti-Money laundering, Anti-Terrorism financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA), the police statement said.
An arrest warrant was then issued for Liow and his surrender on Monday followed. He faces a total of 26 charges.
