Prosecution: Ex-Goldman banker expected to return to Malaysia on June 1

 

The prosecution has informed the Kuala Lumpur High Court that 1MDB-linked former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng is expected to return to Malaysia on June 1.

During proceedings before judge Muhammad Jamil Hussin this morning, deputy public prosecutor Norinna Bahuddin said the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) informed Malaysia’s Attorney-General’s Chambers that Ng (above) is awaiting the court matter in New York.

“The accused is still in New York. According to the DOJ, he will only be returned to Malaysia on June 1,” Norinna said.

Ng was extradited to the US in May 2019. His trial in New York is yet to begin.

He is facing a trial in the US on charges of bribery and money-laundering conspiracy while in Malaysia, he’s facing a trial over a US$6.5 billion 1MDB bonds case.

Ng is alleged to have helped former premier Najib Abdul Razak and others to embezzle at least US$2.7 billion from 1MDB.

Low Teak Jho, better known as Jho Low, is accused of masterminding the scheme.

Meanwhile, Ng’s lawyer Tan Hock Chuan explained to Jamil that the US court was closed on Oct 1 last year and has just reopened recently.

“The hearing in New York has not been fixed, and we were informed that the earliest (the New York hearing could start) is June to July (this year),” Tan said.

Jamil then fixed June 15 for further mention of the case of the 1MDB bonds against Ng, which involve four charges.

Previously before the Kuala Lumpur court, similar charges were levelled against Goldman Sachs International Ltd and its two Asian entities, Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC and Goldman Sachs (Singapore).

However, on Sept 4 last year, the charges against the three entities were dropped, following the prosecution’s application to withdraw the charges relating to the sale of 1MDB bonds amounting to US$6.5 billion.

On Dec 19, 2018, before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court, Ng claimed trial to four charges of abetting Goldman Sachs over the sale of the US$6.5 billion 1MDB bonds by leaving out material facts and making false statements.

He was accused of committing the offences at the 1MDB office, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, between March 19, 2012, and Nov 11, 2013.

His case was subsequently transferred to be heard before the two High Court judges. - Mkini