Immigration DG believes Jho Low using Saint Kitts and Nevis passport

KUALA LUMPUR: As authorities hunt for Low Taek Jho, focus is now being given to the businessman’s second passport, said to be from Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The US Department of Justice previously informed that Low, or Jho Low as he is more commonly known, held two passports, with the second one issued by the West Indies island nation.

Immigration Department director-general Datuk Mustafar Ali yesterday admitted that when he first received the information, he was puzzled as he never heard of the place.

“I browsed the place (online) and the island has very beautiful scenery,” he said.

Mustafar said he believed that the businessman was using his passport from the island country to move around.

“We believe he has been using the passport for his movement. That’s the only thing I can say for now... we believe he is using that passport,” he said at the Ilham tower here yesterday.

Low was said to have left Hong Kong for Macau but recent reports indicate that he may have left Macau.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police received an email from authorities in Macau informing of the businessman’s departure.

Fuzi said Low’s destination, however, could not be ascertained.

Low, who has been linked to cases related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd, was located in Hong Kong last month.

Malaysian police deployed for his arrest there failed as he had fled the country.

He was later learnt to have arrived in Macau via ferry.

In a report by South China Morning Post, a Chinese official denied that Low had fled from Macau to mainland China.

“He is not in mainland China. Any claim that he is hiding there is irresponsible,” South China Morning Post quoted a source as saying.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small Caribbean nation reputed to be a popular place for obtaining a passport.

For as low as US$250,000 (RM1 million), a foreigner can allegedly acquire a citizenship with no requirements to live in the country.