Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, the alleged mastermind behind the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, is believed to be hiding out in China along with other suspects related to the case.
Malaysian police urged authorities on Wednesday (Aug. 5) to help trace the fugitives.
China denied harbouring Low
About a week ago on July 29, Malaysian police publicly stated that they believe Low is hiding in Macau, adding that the Chinese government is allegedly involved.
China has denied harbouring Low.
According to Reuters, Chinese authorities deemed the accusations "groundless and unacceptable", adding that the police were unable to find Low despite investigating all possible leads.
The Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur said in a statement, via Reuters:
"The position of the Chinese government on combating crime is consistent and clear-cut.
China does not and will never shelter foreign criminals."
The embassy also said that China would continue giving support and assistance to Malaysia in its investigations.
Has been in hiding for over a year
Low has been on the run for over a year. It is believed that he has been travelling from one nation to another.
At one point, he was spotted in Wuhan, China, the city hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to SCMP, Low used to hold a couple of foreign passports.
It was discovered that he had owned a Cypriot passport, which he had received through an investment-for-citizenship scheme.
He also had a passport issued from the Caribbean island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Both passports have since been revoked.
Background to the case
Low is alleged to have had a part in the pilfering of US$4.5 billion (S$6.3 billion) from 1MDB.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Low's superyacht, worth US$250 million (S$349.74 million) was seized, and in October 2019, he agreed to return assets worth over US$700 million (S$979.28 million).
1MDB was co-founded by former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak. Najib was found guilty on July 28 of all seven charges in his first trial, also related to SRC International.
He was sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million (S$68.1 million) for his crimes, but intends to appeal the judgment.
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Top images from Jho Low/Facebookk & Unsplash.