1MDB financier Jho Low seeks pardon from Donald Trump

The fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low, a central figure in the multibillion-dollar scandal at the state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), is reportedly seeking a pardon from the US president, Donald Trump.

Low faces multiple charges including corruption and money laundering in the US and Malaysia for the important role he allegedly played in the misappropriation of at least $4.5bn (£3.3bn) from 1MDB.

The scandal was one of the world’s biggest financial frauds, with billions plundered from the now defunct sovereign wealth fund in a scandal that began to unfold in 2015.

Low has consistently denied wrongdoing and his whereabouts is unknown.

Low recently filed a request for a pardon that, if granted, would remove US criminal charges against him, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

A White House official said Low’s request was not on its radar, the report said.

The US Justice Department website lists a pending request for a “pardon after completion of sentence” under Taek Jho Low that was filed this year.

Johari Abdul Ghani, the chair of a Malaysian taskforce seeking to recover funds and assets linked to 1MDB worldwide, said Low’s request should be denied and the US should instead assist Malaysia in locating him for further investigations.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m against the pardon,” said Johari, who is also the trade minister.

Johari said he was unaware of any talks between Low and Malaysia to return assets.

The WSJ reported that Malaysia had temporarily lifted an Interpol red notice against Low that would make him subject to arrest almost anywhere in the world to facilitate the return of significant assets to the country.

In 2019, the US struck a deal to recoup about $1bn from Low, with the fugitive agreeing to give up a private jet and high-end real estate in Beverly Hills, New York and London among other assets.

The Malaysian prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said in 2023 that the government was negotiating with other countries to speed up Low’s return, although he declined to name the nations involved.

Authorities have previously said Low was believed to be in China, although Beijing has denied it.