Former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng told courts that he had warned the bank about fugitive financier Low Taek Jho and blamed ex-colleague Tim Leissner for being the real central figure internally. 

In a 126-page filing, Ng is calling for a case of foreign bribery against him to be dropped on the grounds that he «specifically warned» his superiors at Goldman that Low was «not to be trusted» and to «use caution» if they ultimately decide to deal with him.

The warnings were made as early as March 2010, according to defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo.

«Ng’s warnings were shared with the highest levels of the compliance and legal divisions of the company. The company did not listen to him.»

«Leissner and Leissner Alone»

Though Ng admits that he first brought the Low relationship to the bank in early 2009 «when no one had reason to know that [he] was running a fraud scheme», he claims that Leissner had become the main middleman between Goldman and the Malaysian fugitive by 2012. 

«It was Leissner, and Leissner alone, who thereafter lied for Low, protected Low and ultimately became a full-fledged criminal in the service of Low,» he said, describing him as «more powerful» and a «rain-making partner».

Leisure is due to testify against Ng at the trial. He has previously admitted to conspiring to launder money and violating U.S. anti-bribery laws for his participating in a kickback scheme to win business with 1MDB.  

Naming Names

The latest development mirrors similarities in the latest leaks involving Low’s reported betrayal of ex-prime minister of Malaysia Najib Razak by placing the main blame on him and unveiling specific financial details which included spending of over $500 million for the ex-prime minister’s wife Rosmah Mansor.

In the leak of a phone call where Low is attempting to strike a deal with the succeeding government led by Mahathir Mohamad, he admits that most of the more than $1 billion received by Najib’s account was not a gift from Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah, contradicting Nabji’s claims. He also names Abu Dhabi’s knowledge and involvement.