Jho Low, 4 others charged in absentia; arrest warrants issued

Fugitive businessman, ex-1MDB staff have been charged in absentia

ARREST warrants have been issued against fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, and four others following criminal charges levelled against them in absentia yesterday.

It is understood that the charges, said to be for moneylaundering, are related to the alleged embezzlement of funds from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

The warrants were issued by the magistrate’s court.

The four other individuals are former 1MDB general counsel Jasmine Loo Ai Swan, 45; former executive director Casey Tang Keng Chee, 53; and, former 1MDB officers Geh Choh Heng, 47, and Eric Tan Kim Loong, 40.

According to the file search conducted by the press through the court’s e-filing website, seven cases have been filed against them in four Sessions Courts.

In August, police filed criminal charges against Low, who is the central figure in the 1MDB scandal, and his father, Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng, over money allegedly stolen from 1MDB.

The money laundering charges were brought against the duo in absentia.

Low, who is being hunted by police, and wanted in Malaysia, Singapore and several other countries, is believed to be hiding either in China or Abu Dhabi, but his whereabouts are not known.

He has been placed on Interpol’s Red Notice since October 2016.

The Immigration Department had revoked Low’s passport upon the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s request.