After a nearly two-year delay of ex-Goldman banker Roger Ng’s trial over 1MDB-linked corruption charges, another pause will be required this time over late disclosure of evidence.
Prosecutors of the case said that they had only learned earlier this week that one U.S. Department of Justice division did not share 15,000 documents related to Tim Leissner to them nor the defendant Roger Ng, according to a court filing.
This was despite the case having already kicked off with Ng’s opening trial a week ago and a nearly two-year delay of the trial altogether due to the pandemic.
«The government absolutely, absolutely, and admittedly at this point did not live up to its obligations,» said defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, underlining that evidence was coming in «drips and drabs».
Trial Paused
As a result of the late evidence disclosure, U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie said she would allow prosecutors to finish questioning Leissner before a pause to review the new documents, followed by cross-examination.
«I will give you as much time as you need,» Brodie said.
Leissner is testifying against Ng, alleging that he had received $35 million in ill-gotten 1MDB-related gains which the defendant claims originate from an unrelated venture between Ng’s wife and Leissner’s ex-wife.
