Malaysian fugitive Jho Low, also known as Low Taek Jho, was spotted in Wuhan, China, as of February 2020, according to Malaysian authorities. He is wanted for his role in the massive graft scandal involving the sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), from which billions of dollars were siphoned. Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador stated that intelligence had previously indicated Low’s presence in Wuhan. The city was the center of the coronavirus outbreak, which had been spreading rapidly since January 2020.
the search for jho low
Malaysian police were on the lookout for Low’s return amid the COVID-19 outbreak, although it was not confirmed if he was able to leave China before the lockdown began in January. Abdul Hamid Bador said he had instructed Kuala Lumpur International Airport to strictly observe arriving passengers, as Low may attempt to return home as the virus spreads. He jokingly said, “I have told Kuala Lumpur International Airport to monitor if he comes back with Covid-19… because our health facilities are the best … We will give him the best treatment.” The authorities had earlier reported that Low was in a jurisdiction with which Malaysia has an extradition treaty, and they had promised to bring him back before the end of 2019. However, as of February 2020, Low remained at large.
the 1mdb scandal
Low first made headlines in 2015 when former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was accused of channeling RM2.67 billion (US$700 million) from the government-run strategic development company to his personal accounts. The scandal involved the misuse of billions of dollars from 1MDB, which was set up to promote economic development in Malaysia. The scandal led to a wide-ranging investigation and the imposition of sanctions by the US Department of Justice. According to the US Department of Justice, Low was a key figure in the scandal, using his connections to siphon off billions of dollars from 1MDB for his own benefit and that of his associates.
international cooperation
Malaysia has sought help from Interpol to track down Low, who is wanted to face criminal charges for allegedly masterminding the 1MDB scandal. The international police organization has issued a red notice for Low, which is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. Abdul Hamid Bador stated that Malaysian authorities were working closely with their international counterparts to bring Low to justice. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, it remains to be seen whether Low will be able to evade capture or if he will eventually be brought to face the charges against him.
implications of low’s case
The case of Jho Low has significant implications for Malaysia and the international community. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of sovereign wealth funds and the importance of international cooperation in combating corruption and money laundering. According to Transparency International, a global anti-corruption organization, the 1MDB scandal is a prime example of how corruption can have far-reaching consequences, from undermining trust in institutions to depriving citizens of essential public services. As the search for Low continues, it is clear that his case will have a lasting impact on the global fight against corruption and financial crime. The fact that Low was spotted in Wuhan, a city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, raises questions about the ability of fugitives to evade capture, even in the midst of a global health crisis.
