Jho Low is in a country where he can't be extradited, says PM

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today confirmed attempts by Malaysian authorities to arrest 1MDB-linked businessperson Jho Low.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Mahathir, however, revealed a snag in the process as Malaysia did not have existing extradition arrangements with the undisclosed country where Low is believed to be hiding.

"We are trying to arrest Jho Low but he is not in the country (Malaysia) and we don't have extradition rights with the country where he is staying," said Mahathir when asked to confirm reports that an arrest warrant had been issued for Low.

Asked about the grounds for Low’s arrest, Mahathir said it would be based on the authorities' investigations into his role in the 1MDB scandal.

"I think they have investigated his role in 1MDB and it will be on those grounds that he will be arrested," Mahathir said after chairing a meeting with several ministers as well as former MACC chief Abu Kassim Mohamed.

Malaysiakini yesterday quoted MACC sources as revealing that arrest warrants for Low and for SRC International director Nik Faisal Ariff Kamil had been issued several days ago.

Citing sources, Bloomberg reported that the MACC is also preparing arrest warrants for former 1MDB chief executive officer Shahrol Halmi and former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng.

Low is also a key figure in the 1MDB scandal.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) claimed in its suits that Low was involved in multiple instances where 1MDB funds were allegedly misappropriated.

He is accused of having used 1MDB funds to purchase the superyacht Equanimity; jewellery for model Miranda Kerr; and also a US$27.3 million pink diamond necklace for the wife of Malaysian Official 1 (MO1).

The DOJ claimed the pink diamond was purchased using US$620 million that MO1 claimed to have returned to a royal Arab donor, but was instead channelled to accounts allegedly controlled by Low.

MO1 has been identified as former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak. -Mkini