‘Singapore issued warrant of arrest for Jho Low in 2016’

SINGAPORE: The Singapore authorities issued warrants of arrest in April-May 2016 and at Singapore’s request, Interpol published Red Notices in October 2016, for Low Taek Jho and Tan Kim Loong, who are suspected to have committed offences in Singapore and cannot be located here.

In a joint statement yesterday, the Attorney- General’s Chambers (AGC), Commercial Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force ( CAD) and Monetary Authority of Singapore ( MAS) said all members of Interpol, including Malaysia, would have been aware of the Red Notices when they were published.

They said Singapore’s law enforcement and regulatory agencies had been actively investigating possible money laundering and other offences pertaining to 1MDB-related fund flows since March 2015.

Singapore does not tolerate the use of its financial system as a refuge or conduit for illicit funds.

“We have taken strong action against financial institutions and individuals who have broken laws within our jurisdiction in connection with 1MDB-related fund flows, including criminal charges and convictions, as well as large financial penalties.

“Investigations are continuing into several other individuals suspected of being involved in 1MDB-related offences in Singapore,” they said.

Officers from the AGC, CAD and MAS met the Malaysian 1MDB Taskforce led by Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail in Singapore on Thursday.

The meeting was held at the invitation of the Singapore authorities, and followed an earlier meeting with the taskforce last week in Kuala Lumpur.

“It was a productive meeting, with a fruitful exchange of information. Singapore has been providing Malaysia information on 1MDB-related fund flows, since March 2015, and this was acknowledged by Malaysia. Both sides agreed to continue this cooperation,” they added. — Bernama