As it hunts for billions of dollars lost in the 1MDB corruption scandal, Malaysia has assigned a prominent Singapore law firm to commence legal action in the city-state.
The Malaysian government instructed Singapore law firm Tan Rajah & Cheah to initiate legal action against 53 individuals and companies to claim monies belonging to state fund 1MDB, according to Malaysian news service «Bernama». Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, is among the 53 defendants.
Malaysian Attorney-General Tommy Thomas met his Singapore counterpart Lucien Wong recently to expedite the return of the 1MDB funds which have been frozen by the Singapore authorities.
Since the surprise Malaysian election upset in May, investigators from Singapore, the banking center at the heart of the scandal, have increased cooperation with their Malaysian counterparts.
Sought by Interpol
Low, who has frequently been touted as the ultimate witness on alleged wrong-doing at 1MDB, is wanted by both Singapore and Malaysian authorities. A 2016 Interpol arrest warrant, a so-called red notice, for Low and another man, Tan Kim Loong issued by Singapore, still holds.
Low's Malaysian passport was cancelled earlier this month following a request from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as it ramps up its investigations into the corruption-plagued fund.
