Groundbreaking evidence has surfaced in the latest leaks of phone conversations involving 1MDB fugitive Low Taek Jho who attempts to negotiate a deal to avoid imprisonment.
Better known as Jho Low, the fugitive businessman was heard attempting to strike a deal with the former Malaysian government led by Mahathir Mohamad, according to audio leaks obtained by «Al Jazeera».
In phone conversations, Low betrays fellow conspirators, offers other fugitives as potential witnesses and also reveals financial details about legal costs and luxury spending.
Najib Razak’s Fault?
On the siphoning of billions of dollars of 1MDB assets, Low notes that he had no authority on the matter and laid blame on Najib Razak.
«I have no authority to make any decision […] It’s a pretty known fact that […] all the approvals have to be approved by the minister of finance,» Low said, referring to the period which Najib served in the role.
Not a Gift from the Saudis
In addition, Low also admitted that most of the more than $1 billion received by Nabji's account was not a gift from Saudia Arabia’s late King Abdullah – contrary to the ex-prime minister's claims.
«The reality is, it is true that King Abdullah actually agreed to give [a] donation to the PM but that was the small portion of a larger portion,» Jho Low said.
Over $500 Million for Rosmah Mansor
And on top of the two jarring claims, Low also underlined the absurd spending for Najib’s wife Rosmah Manor that totaled over half a billion dollars. This, according to the DOJ, included a purchase of a $27 million pink diamond.
«That was a huge amount,» Low said.
«Abu Dhabi People Did Take Money»
In the call, Low also reveals the involvement of Abu Dhabi and provides advice on settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
«The reality is, Abu Dhabi people did take money,» he said. «The discussion I left off with them is, look, whatever I settle with the DOJ that is used to pay 1MDB bonds, you should all match the same amount, which is probably close to a billion dollars.»
Where is Jho Low?
Malaysian police have explicitly said they have knowledge of Low’s hiding in Macau and while China has strongly refuted this, the latest audio leaks offer insights about the latter’s potential involvement.
According to the leaks, Low was in China at one point when he was considering a rendezvous in Hong Kong or Macau. Upon discovering that Malaysia’s 1MDB investigators were setting up a meeting in Macau, he decided to flee to the United Arab Emirates which he said was «ultra paranoid» due to the arrest warrant issued.
«Al Jazeera» claims that Low has lived in Macau since at least February 2018 in a house owned by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party, citing unnamed sources from Malaysia and Macau.
