Low denies central role in 1MDB scandal

Malaysian fugitive financier Jho Low, whose Cypriot passport came under scrutiny last year, says he was not the mastermind of the 1MDB scandal while confirming rumours he was offered asylum in an unnamed country.

Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, recently gave an interview to Singapore’s Straits Times while he is still wanted by Malaysian authorities in connection with financial fraud.

Low, who is accused of defrauding billions from 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund founded by former Prime Minister Najib Razak, made headline news in Cyprus and around the world after it emerged that the fugitive financier had obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2015 through an expedited process as a foreign investor.

In his recent interview, Low said media scrutiny of him was excessive compared to global financial and other institutions, including advisers who actually organised and facilitated the fundraising in question.

“This is not a unique situation. I was requested to assist because of my good relationships with influential foreign businessmen and decision makers,” Low said.

Low also confirmed that he was offered asylum in a foreign country, essentially confirming media reports last summer. But the financier declined to name the country.

Last year, state officials in the Republic of Cyprus said they started a denaturalization process for over two dozen investors, including Low, who had received the island’s passport through what is known as a golden visa for foreign investors.

Low says he is on the run because Malaysian authorities branded him the mastermind behind the scandal, while he claims he was victimized just for using his professional connections around the world.