The deep fall of a leader: Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib detained
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested by anti-corruption investigators on July 3 at his home in Kuala Lumpur and graft charges would be brought in against on the following day, officials said. It is the latest dramatic development in a widening graft probe into alleged theft and money laundering at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state investment fund.
Najib quashed an investigation into the scandal when it exploded three years ago. But he is no longer able to influence events after being cast from office in a stunning election loss in May this year, and Malaysia’s new rulers are eager to unearth what went on within 1MDB from where it is believed that $4.5 billion were allegedly stolen.
Some of the funds were used by Najib’s flamboyant wife Rosmah Mansor to buy diamonds, expensive handbags and other luxury items worth millions of dollars. There was no immediate word from Malaysian authorities on whether she was also facing arrest.
Najib was in custody at the headquarters of the country’s anticorruption agency. His supporters called for a rally at the facility to show solidarity with him. Media meanwhile gathered outside his home, where a single police van was parked, hoping for a glimpse of his wife Rosmah.
The arrest of Najib is just the starting point of an investigation into 1MDB that new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says will take months to complete and focus on the roles of scores of people. The new government has barred a number of former government officials from leaving the country.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested by anti-corruption investigators on July 3 at his home in Kuala Lumpur and graft charges would be brought in against on the following day, officials said. It is the latest dramatic development in a widening graft probe into alleged theft and money laundering at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state investment fund. Najib quashed an investigation into the scandal when it exploded three years ago. But he is no longer able to influence events after being cast from office in a stunning election loss in May this year, and Malaysia’s new rulers...
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested by anti-corruption investigators on July 3 at his home in Kuala Lumpur and graft charges would be brought in against on the following day, officials said. It is the latest dramatic development in a widening graft probe into alleged theft and money laundering at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state investment fund.
Najib quashed an investigation into the scandal when it exploded three years ago. But he is no longer able to influence events after being cast from office in a stunning election loss in May this year, and Malaysia’s new rulers are eager to unearth what went on within 1MDB from where it is believed that $4.5 billion were allegedly stolen.
Some of the funds were used by Najib’s flamboyant wife Rosmah Mansor to buy diamonds, expensive handbags and other luxury items worth millions of dollars. There was no immediate word from Malaysian authorities on whether she was also facing arrest.
Najib was in custody at the headquarters of the country’s anticorruption agency. His supporters called for a rally at the facility to show solidarity with him. Media meanwhile gathered outside his home, where a single police van was parked, hoping for a glimpse of his wife Rosmah.
The arrest of Najib is just the starting point of an investigation into 1MDB that new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says will take months to complete and focus on the roles of scores of people. The new government has barred a number of former government officials from leaving the country.
