Outgoing US President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon for his former fundraiser Elliott Broidy, who had previously pleaded guilty to charges of illegal foreign lobbying in relation to the 1MDB scandal.
His name appeared on a list issued by the White House today of 143 individuals who had been granted pardons or reduced sentences on Trump’s last day in office. His successor Joe Biden is due to be sworn in tomorrow.
The White House said Broidy’s pardon was supported by 21 prominent individuals, including former US ambassador to China Terry Branstad.
“Broidy is well known for his numerous philanthropic efforts, including on behalf of law enforcement, the military and veterans’ programmes and the Jewish community,” the White House added.
Broidy (above), who held finance posts in Trump’s 2016 campaign and on his inaugural committee, was alleged to have received millions of dollars in payments from an unnamed foreign national to try to arrange the end to a US investigation of 1MDB.
The unnamed foreign national is believed to be Jho Low, who is also facing charges in Malaysia and the US over the 1MDB scandal but is still at large. Low had denied wrongdoing.
On Oct 20 last year, Broidy pleaded guilty of illegally lobbying Trump to drop an investigation into the 1MDB scandal.
Under the US’ Foreign Agents Registration Act, people who lobby the US government on behalf of foreign entities are required to register with the Justice Department, which Broidy admitted he had not done.
He faced a maximum prison sentence of five years and had agreed to forfeit US$6.6 million (RM27.38 million).
However, the pardon came before his sentencing hearing that is scheduled for Feb 12.
Previously, it was reported that Broidy could travel outside the US with court approval pending the outcome of the sentencing hearing, and travel inside the country with the approval of pre-trial services officials. - Mkini
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