Photos from Jho Low/ X & Donald J. Trump/ X
Malaysian businessman and fugitive Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low requested a pardon from United States president Donald Trump.
Low was alleged to be the mastermind behind the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal, which involved the misappropriation of US$4.5 billion (S$5.73 billion).
Pardon
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the request was filed in recent weeks, Wall Street Journal reported.
If granted, the pardon would clear the 44-year-old of U.S. criminal charges.
His efforts to clear himself of criminal charges and an international manhunt have been underway for more than a year.
In his request, Low told U.S. authorities that he could help make deals happen.
Low apparently took credit for a recent agreement in which Malaysia returned a Bangladeshi man to the U.S., who was alleged to have operated a child sexual-exploitation enterprise.
Individuals familiar with the matter claimed that Low was not involved in the transfer.
Low has also been in talks with U.S. and Malaysian authorities about returning the money tied to the 1MDB fraud.
The funds would then go to the U.S. Justice Department, which would decide how much to distribute to countries affected by the fraud, including Malaysia.
A Justice Department website listed a pending request for a “Pardon after Completion of Sentence” that was filed under Low’s name in 2026.
His chances of a pardon will ultimately rest with Trump and a team of legal advisers.
White House officials also claimed that Low’s request was not currently on its “radar”.
Should not be pardoned
On May 13, the chairman of the 1MDB task force, Johari Abdul Ghani, said Low should not be pardoned, Reuters reported.
He claimed that the U.S. should assist Malaysia in locating Low for investigations instead.
Johari added that he was unaware of any talks between Low and Malaysian authorities to return funds.
Background
Low was charged in 2018 for allegedly siphoning at least US$4.5 billion (S$5.73 billion) from 1MDB.
In October 2019, Low forfeited assets that amounted to approximately US$700 million (S$890 million).
The assets included high-end real estate in Beverly Hills, New York, and London, assets in Switzerland and the United Kingdom and other business investments.
His superyacht, worth US$250 million (S$318 million), was also seized.
The deal and a similar one made in 2024 did not absolve him of criminal liability.
Malaysia also temporarily lifted its Interpol red notice on Low to facilitate the return of significant assets to the country.
Low’s whereabouts are currently unknown, but authorities believe he is residing in China.
Chinese officials, however, denied this claim.
