Jho Low

Low was born to a wealthy Malaysian Chinese family. He is of Teochew descent and he grew up in George Town, on Penang Island. His family has traditionally maintained a low profile. His grandfather Tan Sri Dato’ Low Meng Tak was a businessman born in Guangdong in China.{{Cite news|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/scion-moves-into-spotlight-on-global-m-a-stage-1413915617|title = Scion Moves into Spotlight on M&A Stage|last = Farrell|first = Maureen|date = 21 October 2014|newspaper = The Wall Street Journal|access-date = 8 March 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180629131436/https://www.wsj.com/articles/scion-moves-into-spotlight-on-global-m-a-stage-1413915617|archive-date = 29 June 2018|url-status = live}} Meng Tak had interests in iron-ore mining and liquor distilleries in Thailand in the 1960s and 1970s, and in real estate in Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. Low's father Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng founded investment holding company MWE Holdings.{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2010%2f7%2f29%2fnation%2f6756946&sec=nation|title=A millionaire before graduating|work=The Star|date=29 July 2010|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075400/https://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2010%2f7%2f29%2fnation%2f6756946&sec=nation|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2014/11/01/low-family-fortune-first-built-on-ironore-mining/|title=Low family fortune first built on iron-ore mining|work=The Star|access-date=2 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070631/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2014/11/01/low-family-fortune-first-built-on-ironore-mining/|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}

Low was the youngest of three children. He attended Chung Ling High School and The International School of Penang (Uplands) before being sent to the elite Harrow School in London. The school boasts notable alumni, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-harrow-school-alumni-and-students/reference|title=Famous Harrow School Alumni|website=Ranker|language=en|access-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113120847/https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-harrow-school-alumni-and-students/reference|archive-date=13 November 2019|url-status=live}} He took this opportunity to rub shoulders with students from powerful families, including royals from the Middle East and Brunei.{{Cite web|url=https://www.billiondollarwhale.com/|title=Billion Dollar Whale|website=Billion Dollar Whale|access-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514145234/https://www.billiondollarwhale.com/|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} In London, he developed a "close relationship" with Riza Aziz, the stepson of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.{{cite news|last1=Story|first1=Louise|last2=Saul|first2=Stephanie|author-link2=Stephanie Saul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|title=Jho Low, Well Connected in Malaysia, Has an Appetite for New York|work=The New York Times|date=8 February 2015|quote=In a statement provided by a spokesman, Mr. Low...said he 'is a friend of Mr. Riza Aziz and his family.'|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108235640/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live}}Story, Louise. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&module=MostPopularFB&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article Malaysia’s Leader, Najib Razak, Faces U.S. Corruption Inquiry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902013228/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&module=MostPopularFB&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article |date=2 September 2017 }}". The New York Times 22 September 2015. "The US Government civil cases are focused on properties in the United States that were purchased in recent years by companies that belong to the prime minister's stepson as well as other real estate connected to a close family friend" Low then enrolled in the undergraduate program of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School,{{Cite book |last=Wright |first=Tom |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1044629783 |title=Billion dollar whale : the man who fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the world |date=2018 |others=Bradley Hope |isbn=978-0-316-43650-2 |edition=1st |location=New York, NY |oclc=1044629783}} where he continued to develop connections with Malaysians as well as Kuwaiti and Jordanian interests and began managing money for his friends and family.{{cite news|last1=Story|first1=Louise|last2=Saul|first2=Stephanie|author-link2=Stephanie Saul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|title=Jho Low, Well Connected in Malaysia, Has an Appetite for New York|work=The New York Times|date=8 February 2015|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108235640/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/80048/jho-low-dropped-out-of-wharton-shafee-tells-court-in-1mdb-trial | title=Jho Low dropped out of Wharton, Shafee tells court in 1MDB trial | date=13 December 2022 }} He graduated from Wharton in 2005.{{Cite book |last=Wright |first=Tom |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1044629783 |title=Billion dollar whale : the man who fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the world |date=2018 |others=Bradley Hope |isbn=978-0-316-43650-2 |edition=1st |location=New York, NY |pages=41 |oclc=1044629783}}{{Cite web |title=Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous: The Rise and Fall of Jho Low |url=https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/lifestyles-rich-infamous-rise-fall-jho-low/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Knowledge at Wharton |language=en-US}}

Low can speak Malay, English, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Teochew.

Low's first major deal was the Kuwait Finance House's 2006 purchase for US$87 million of a luxury high-rise apartment building in Kuala Lumpur. According to The New York Times, "By 2007, Low had formed an investment group that included a Malaysian prince, a Kuwaiti sheikh and a friend from the United Arab Emirates who went on to become ambassador to the United States and Mexico, and is now one of the most powerful right hand persons for the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi." By 2010, Low had consolidated his fortune into Jynwel Capital, of which Low was the principal steward.

As steward of Jynwel, Low cultivated relationships with some of the world's largest and most reputable sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company and the Kuwait Investment Authority.{{cite news|url=http://www.malaysia-today.net/jho-low-back-in-the-limelight/|author=Super Admin|title=JHO LOW BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT|work=Malaysia Today|date=1 November 2014|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185601/http://www.malaysia-today.net/jho-low-back-in-the-limelight/|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}} Jynwel is connected with deals including the acquisition of New York's Park Lane Hotel for US$660 million in 2013 with The Witkoff Group and Mubadala; the takeover of Coastal Energy in 2014 for US$2.2 billion; and the buyout of EMI's music publishing business in 2012 for US$2.2 billion with the Blackstone Group, Sony Corporation and Mubadala.{{cite web|url=http://www.therakyatpost.com/business/2014/10/22/jho-low-jynwel-capital-move-global-deal-spotlight-supported-wealthy-abu-dhabi-funds/|title=Jho Low, Jynwel Capital move into global deal spotlight supported by wealthy Abu Dhabi Funds|work=The Rakyat Post|date=22 October 2014|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918184042/http://www.therakyatpost.com/business/2014/10/22/jho-low-jynwel-capital-move-global-deal-spotlight-supported-wealthy-abu-dhabi-funds/|archive-date=18 September 2015|url-status=live}} Low was the architect for Jynwel Capital's unsuccessful US$2.2 billion bid to buy Reebok from Adidas AG in October 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.therakyatpost.com/business/2014/10/20/abu-dhabi-bid-reebok/|title=Jynwel Capital, led by Jho Low, and Abu Dhabi Funds seek to buy Reebok from Adidas|work=The Rakyat Post|date=20 October 2014|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001164710/http://www.therakyatpost.com/business/2014/10/20/abu-dhabi-bid-reebok/|archive-date=1 October 2015|url-status=live}}

Low supported Aziz in the establishment of Red Granite Pictures, a Hollywood production company responsible for films including Wolf of Wall Street and Dumb and Dumber To.{{cite news|last1=Story|first1=Louise|last2=Saul|first2=Stephanie|author-link2=Stephanie Saul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|title=Jho Low, Well Connected in Malaysia, Has an Appetite for New York|work=The New York Times|date=8 February 2015|quote=With Mr. Low's help, Mr. Aziz runs a Hollywood company that produced the films 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'Dumb and Dumber To.'|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108235640/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/09/nyregion/jho-low-young-malaysian-has-an-appetite-for-new-york.html|archive-date=8 January 2017|url-status=live}} Recovery of the rights in both movies was the subject of actions for recovery by the US Government in 2013 and 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-15/u-s-seeks-to-recover-540-million-tied-to-tainted-1mdb-fund|title=1MDB Loot Included Picasso, 'Dumb and Dumber To', U.S. Says|date=15 June 2017|last=Farrel|first=Greg|work=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=22 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616123742/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-15/u-s-seeks-to-recover-540-million-tied-to-tainted-1mdb-fund|archive-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live}} The claims were settled in August 2018, with the settlement stipulating that the payment should not be construed as "an admission of wrongdoing or liability on the part of Red Granite".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-redgranite-idUSKCN1GJ0FH|title='The Wolf of Wall Street' producers to pay $60 million to U.S. in...|date=7 March 2018|work=Reuters|access-date=6 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606081404/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-scandal-redgranite-idUSKCN1GJ0FH|archive-date=6 June 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2019, US authorities pursuing Low described him as a financial intermediary, which allowed him to use his connections to high net worth individuals and international institutions to launder the money stolen through manipulation of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad.{{cite web |title=Goldman Sachs Deserves To Lose Its Licence |url=http://www.sarawakreport.org/talkback/40030/ |website=Sarawak Report |access-date=18 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907011228/http://www.sarawakreport.org/talkback/40030/ |archive-date=7 September 2019 |url-status=live }}

Although earlier in his career Low had often claimed to be investing and making purchases on behalf of other investors or "friends" to maintain a low profile about his family's wealth, in 2015 Low said that his family had considerable independent means. While a 2015 The New York Times article suggested that his family was of "somewhat deflated affluence", a 2014 The Wall Street Journal profile had called him a "scion".{{Cite news |last=Farrell |first=Maureen |date=2014-10-21 |title=Scion Moves Into Spotlight on M&A Stage |url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/scion-moves-into-spotlight-on-global-m-a-stage-1413915617 |access-date=2022-04-24 |work=Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}

{{main|1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal}}

Najib Razak became Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2009. Soon, he became president of the board of advisers for 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. Although Low never received an official position, he admits that he occasionally "consulted" with 1MDB, and was involved in a number of transactions connecting his own interests with those of 1MDB, which he claimed were "arms-length and legally sound."{{Cite news|title = Malaysian Financier Jho Low Tied to 1MDB Inquiry|url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-financier-tied-to-inquiry-into-1mdb-1436466499|newspaper = The Wall Street Journal|date = 9 July 2015|access-date = 11 July 2015|issn = 0099-9660|first = Tom|last = Wright|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150710200459/http://www.wsj.com/articles/malaysian-financier-tied-to-inquiry-into-1mdb-1436466499|archive-date = 10 July 2015|url-status = live}}

File:Equanimity, the seized yacht.jpg funds.|269x269px]]The Wall Street Journal has reported that a $33.5 million condominium in Manhattan was owned by a shell company under control of Low's family trust, and then was sold and transferred to a shell company controlled by Najib's stepson.Story, Louise.[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&module=MostPopularFB&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article "Malaysia’s Leader, Najib Razak, Faces U.S. Corruption Inquiry"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902013228/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/22/world/asia/malaysias-leader-najib-razak-faces-us-corruption-inquiry.html?action=click&contentCollection=Business%20Day&module=MostPopularFB&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&src=me&pgtype=article |date=2 September 2017 }}. The New York Times 22 September 2015. Another home in Beverly Hills, California, "known as the pyramid house for a gold pyramid in its garden", was owned by a shell company controlled by the Low family trust, and was sold and transferred to Najib's stepson by transferring shares of the shell company to him.

In October 2016, Interpol published a red notice at Singapore's request to locate and arrest Low in an investigation related to 1MDB fund flows within its jurisdiction.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/08/singapore-says-interpol-had-red-notice-out-on-jho-low-in-2016-malaysia-was-aware/|title=Singapore says Interpol had red notice out on Jho Low in 2016, Malaysia was aware|work=The Star|access-date=8 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518034346/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/06/08/singapore-says-interpol-had-red-notice-out-on-jho-low-in-2016-malaysia-was-aware/|archive-date=18 May 2019|url-status=live}} The request for assistance to provisionally arrest Low was sent to the Hong Kong Department of Justice in April 2016, according to a representative for Singapore's police, but the request was rejected by the Hong Kong authorities.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-11/singapore-says-hong-kong-declined-2016-request-to-arrest-jho-low-jjgxs8m5|title=Singapore Says Hong Kong Declined 2016 Request to Arrest Low|date=11 July 2018|access-date=14 May 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514101945/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-11/singapore-says-hong-kong-declined-2016-request-to-arrest-jho-low-jjgxs8m5|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}}

After the Malaysian general election in 2018, new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad re-opened the extensive investigations into the 1MDB matter and, despite prior findings by former Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission that no crime had been committed, issued arrest warrants against Low.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-22/najib-questioned-over-1mdb-as-task-force-seeks-to-recover-assets|title=Najib Queried on 1MDB as Task Force Seeks to Recover Funds|last=Shukry|first=Anisah|date=22 May 2018|work=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528163132/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-22/najib-questioned-over-1mdb-as-task-force-seeks-to-recover-assets|archive-date=28 May 2019|url-status=live}} The filing of these charges leading to the arrest warrant were described by a spokesperson for Low as "political reprisal" by the Mahathir regime which was described as having a disregard for the rule of law.{{POV statement|date=June 2022}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/12/04/jho-low-snubs-arrest-warrant/1700040|title=Jho Low snubs arrest warrant|last=Boo|first=Su-Lyn|date=4 December 2018|work=Malay Mail|access-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528163129/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/12/04/jho-low-snubs-arrest-warrant/1700040|archive-date=28 May 2019|url-status=live}} In light of the warrants, some consider him a fugitive as he has reportedly been sought by the Malaysian authorities in connection with the 1MDB matter, notwithstanding that Low agreed to assist with the probe.{{POV statement|date=June 2022}}{{cite news |title=Elusive playboy financier Jho Low agrees to assist in Malaysia's 1MDB probe |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2149717/bon-vivant-financier-jho-low-called-questioning-malaysia |access-date=24 July 2019 |agency=Reuters |newspaper=South China Morning Post |date=7 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724164247/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2149717/bon-vivant-financier-jho-low-called-questioning-malaysia |archive-date=24 July 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Landau |first1=Esther |title=Jho Low agrees to meet 1MDB task force in Dubai: Report |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2018/06/379528/jho-low-agrees-meet-1mdb-task-force-dubai-report |access-date=24 July 2019 |agency=New Straits Times |date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724164246/https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2018/06/379528/jho-low-agrees-meet-1mdb-task-force-dubai-report |archive-date=24 July 2019 |url-status=live }}

According to South China Morning Post reports, Low is still involved in affairs of his Hong Kong companies. He signed documents for private equity firm Jynwel Capital and non-profit group Jynwel Charitable Foundation in July 2018,{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2156339/fugitive-malaysian-businessman-jho-low-still|title=Fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low still involved in affairs of his Hong Kong companies|date=22 July 2018|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064328/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-law-and-crime/article/2156339/fugitive-malaysian-businessman-jho-low-still|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}} even though Malaysian authorities were looking to arrest him in connection with the 1MDB scandal which he has stated as politically motivated.{{Cite web|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/07/23/report-jho-low-on-the-run-but-still-involved-in-hk-companies/|title=Report: Jho Low on the run, but still involved in HK companies|date=23 July 2018|website=Free Malaysia Today|access-date=23 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930194303/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/07/23/report-jho-low-on-the-run-but-still-involved-in-hk-companies/|archive-date=30 September 2018|url-status=live}} He was alleged to have been in discussions with the Malaysian government on a potential deal, but the Malaysian government and he did not come to a deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/25/1mdb-scandal-explained-a-tale-of-malaysias-missing-billions|title=1MDB scandal explained: a tale of Malaysia's missing billions|newspaper=The Guardian|date=25 October 2018|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831031907/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/25/1mdb-scandal-explained-a-tale-of-malaysias-missing-billions|archive-date=31 August 2019|url-status=live}}

Low allegedly purchased a US$325,000 white Ferrari as a wedding gift for Kim Kardashian in 2011.{{Cite news|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/09/13/jho-low-bought-us325000-ferrari-for-kim-kardashian-says-report/|title=Jho Low bought US$325,000 Ferrari for Kim Kardashian, says report|date=13 September 2018|work=Free Malaysia Today|access-date=14 September 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009234625/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/09/13/jho-low-bought-us325000-ferrari-for-kim-kardashian-says-report/|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}} The Department of Justice (DoJ) was reported to have sought restitution from other famous celebrities who had received gifts from Low, among them Leonardo DiCaprio, who has since returned Picasso and Basquiat paintings; and Miranda Kerr who returned diamond jewellery with a market value of US$8 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/09/13/jho-low-allegedly-bought-white-ferrari-for-kim-kardashian/|title=Jho Low allegedly bought white Ferrari for Kim Kardashian|work=The Star|access-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913143346/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/09/13/jho-low-allegedly-bought-white-ferrari-for-kim-kardashian/|archive-date=13 September 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-businessman-jho-low-allegedly-bought-white-ferrari-for-reality-tv-show-star|title=Malaysian businessman Jho Low allegedly bought white Ferrari for reality TV show star Kim Kardashian|last=hermesauto|date=14 September 2018|work=The Straits Times|access-date=14 September 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061536/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-businessman-jho-low-allegedly-bought-white-ferrari-for-reality-tv-show-star|archive-date=14 September 2018|url-status=live}}

Low invested $100 million into the production of The Wolf of Wall Street, which was subsequently nominated for the Oscars. Leonardo DiCaprio specially thanked Low for his involvement during one of the awards ceremonies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2180804/actor-leonardo-dicaprio-secretly-testified-us-grand-jury|title=Leonardo DiCaprio secretly testifies in US about Jho Low, 1MDB|date=5 January 2019|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031121737/https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2180804/actor-leonardo-dicaprio-secretly-testified-us-grand-jury|archive-date=31 October 2019|url-status=live}} Red Granite, a productions company that was backed by Low, threw a lavish party in Cannes which included a performance by Kanye West.{{fact|date=January 2025}}

In June 2017, the US Government, in proceedings brought against certain assets in the Central District of California, sought return of millions worth of assets derived from the Malaysian 1MDB wealth fund. On 1 November 2018, Low and two ex-Goldman Sachs bankers, Tim Leissner and Roger Ng Chong Hwa, were indicted by the United States Department of Justice in connection with the 1MDB allegations.{{cite news |date= 1 November 2018 |title= 1MDB: Ex-Goldman bankers and Jho Low face US charges |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46062576 |work= BBC News |access-date= 1 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181101145701/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46062576 |archive-date= 1 November 2018 |url-status= live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/1mdb-jho-low-charges-10888910?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0 |title=What has Jho Low been charged with? US documents reveal extent of '1MDB fraud' |date=2 November 2018 |work=Channel NewsAsia |access-date=2 November 2018 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215223536/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/1mdb-jho-low-charges-10888910?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live }}

On 31 October 2019, Low entered into a global, comprehensive settlement with the US government forever resolving all civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings concerning asset forfeiture claims against various Low-linked assets.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50244259|title=US to recover $700m from fugitive financier|date=31 October 2019|access-date=31 October 2019|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101012413/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50244259|archive-date=1 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1214051|title=Stipulation {{!}} Department of Justice|website=www.justice.gov|access-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031123557/https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1214051|archive-date=31 October 2019|url-status=live}} The settlement did not resolve the government's underlying money laundering and bribery charges and is not otherwise tied to the ongoing U.S. criminal case against him.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-1mdb-jho-low-idUSKBN1X924V|title=In record deal, U.S. to recover $1 billion from Malaysian fugitive Jho Low|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 October 2019|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201200952/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-1mdb-jho-low-idUSKBN1X924V|archive-date=1 February 2020|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Low was accused of a connection to the Burning Sun scandal through his friendship with Korean musician Psy; Low, Psy and others denied the allegations.{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Jae-heun |date=2019-05-30 |title=Psy denies involvement in YG scandal |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2022/05/251_269767.html |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=koreatimes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=LEE |first=SUNG-EUN |title=Cops question Psy over YG prostitution |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2019/06/24/socialAffairs/Cops-question-Psy-over-YG-prostitution/3064688.html |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |date=24 June 2019 |language=en}} The case was closed for lack of evidence.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-29/malaysian-corruption-fugitive-implicated-in-kpop-sex-scandal/11159466|title=Fugitive at the centre of Malaysian corruption scandal named in K-pop sex investigation|last=Walden|first=Max|date=29 May 2019|work=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=29 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529160303/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-29/malaysian-corruption-fugitive-implicated-in-kpop-sex-scandal/11159466|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=유청모 |date=2019-09-20 |title=Police decide to drop pimping charges against former YG chief |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190920006000315 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=Yonhap News Agency |language=en}}

On 11 June 2021, the U. S. Department of Justice announced charges related to violation of United States federal law. "Low Taek Jho, 39, also known as Jho Low, and Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, 48, are alleged to have conspired with Elliott Broidy" related to their "... engaging in undisclosed lobbying campaigns at the direction of Low and the Vice Minister of Public Security for the People's Republic of China".{{cite web|date=2021-06-11|title=U.S. Entertainer/Businessman and Malaysian National Charged With Back-Channel Lobbying Campaign to Drop 1MDB Investigation and Remove Chinese Dissident From U.S.|url=https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/2021-06-11.pdf|website=U. S. Department of Justice|quote=According to the superseding indictment, Low Taek Jho, 39, also known as Jho Low, and Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, 48, are alleged to have conspired with Elliott Broidy, Nickie Lum Davis, and others to engage in undisclosed lobbying campaigns at the direction of Low and the Vice Minister of Public Security for the People’s Republic of China, respectively, both to have the 1MDB embezzlement investigation and forfeiture proceedings involving Low and others dropped and to have a Chinese dissident sent back to China. Michel and Low are also charged with conspiring to commit money laundering related to the foreign influence campaigns. Michel is also charged with witness tampering and conspiracy to make false statements to banks.}}

Low is believed to be residing in China where he secretly travels extensively through major cities. In November 2020, Al Jazeera reported that Low was currently living in Macau, in "a house owned by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party."{{Cite web|date=2020-11-17|title=Malaysia: Jho Low tried to strike deal with Mahathir administration|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3110210/malaysia-jho-low-tried-strike-deal-mahathir-administration-over|access-date=2020-11-17|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}} He has managed to travel freely despite the Malaysian police submitting an Interpol red notice.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/09/arts/jho-low-1mdb-assets-piano.html|title=A Yacht, a Monet, a See-Through Piano: The U.S. Collects on a Fugitive's Shopping Spree|last1=Harris|first1=Elizabeth A.|date=9 December 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=10 December 2018|last2=Stevenson|first2=Alexandra|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102051847/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/09/arts/jho-low-1mdb-assets-piano.html|archive-date=2 January 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/world/report-jho-low-living-it-up-in-china-traveling-extensively-through-major-cities/ar-BBVRwbk?li=AAaD62f&%25253Bocid=SK2MDHP|title=Report: Jho Low living it up in China, traveling extensively through major cities|website=www.msn.com|access-date=13 May 2019|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903225601/https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/world/report-jho-low-living-it-up-in-china-traveling-extensively-through-major-cities/ar-BBVRwbk?li=AAaD62f&%253Bocid=SK2MDHP|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysian-court-charges-jho-low-dad-money-laundering-interpol-red-notice-issued-duo|title=Malaysian court charges Jho Low, dad with money laundering; Interpol red notice issued for duo|website=TODAYonline|access-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526124527/https://www.todayonline.com/world/malaysian-court-charges-jho-low-dad-money-laundering-interpol-red-notice-issued-duo|archive-date=26 May 2019|url-status=live}} The Chinese government has denied harboring Low, although he was allegedly filmed at Shanghai Disneyland on Christmas Eve 2019 on a witness's cellphone.{{cite news|title=China denies harboring 1MDB fugitive Jho Low |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-politics-1mdb/china-denies-harboring-1mdb-fugitive-jho-low-idUSKCN24U26R |date=29 July 2020 |work=Reuters |access-date=10 March 2022}}{{Cite web |date=2022-08-31 |title=Jho Low allegedly photographed in Shanghai Disneyland |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/634106 |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=Malaysiakini}}

In May 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that his government was collaborating with many countries to expedite Low’s extradition back to Malaysia.{{cite news |author=Bhavan Jaipragas |agency= |title=Malaysia 1MDB scandal: is Jho Low hiding in China? It depends on whom you ask |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3220166/1mdb-scandal-jho-low-hiding-china-it-depends-whom-you-ask |quote= |newspaper=South China Morning Post |date=2023-05-12 |access-date=2023-05-17 }} That same month, Al Jazeera reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) believed Low was still hiding in Macau.{{Cite web |last=Jolley |first=Mary Ann |title=1MDB fugitive Jho Low placed in Macau as associates in spotlight |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2023/5/30/1mdb-fugitive-jho-low-hiding-in-macau-malaysian-authorities-say |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

In November 2024 Najib Razak's lawyer claimed Low could be hiding in Myanmar under the protection of the ruling junta.{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Fugitive businessman Jho Low hiding in Myanmar, protected by junta: Najib's lawyer |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/fugitive-businessman-jho-low-hiding-in-myanmar-protected-by-junta-najibs-lawyer |work=The Strait Times}}

In June 2024, Low agreed to forfeit more than $100 million in assets to settle two civil cases with the U.S. Department of Justice, which includes a luxury apartment in Paris and artwork by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol. This agreement is in addition to a $120 million yacht and another $1 billion previously forfeited by Low and his family. Low continues to face separate criminal cases for money laundering and bribery.{{cite news |last1=Stempel |first1=Jonathan |title=US to recover Monet, Warhol from fugitive financier Jho Low over 1MDB scandal |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-recover-monet-warhol-fugitive-financier-jho-low-over-1mdb-scandal-2024-06-26/ |work=Reuters |date=26 June 2024}} Malaysian authorities said they would continue to track down Low.{{Cite news |date=2024-06-29 |title=Hunt for Jho Low continues despite his deal with US govt, says Malaysian official |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/hunt-for-jho-low-continues-despite-his-deal-with-us-govt-says-malaysian-official |access-date=2024-08-01 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

Consistent with his personal connections to the Najib Razak family, Low supported and funded the Prime Minister with 1MDB cash during the 2013 elections. He organised a free pro-government concert in his home state of Penang featuring American musicians Busta Rhymes and Ludacris, which was criticised by the local opposition government as unfair electioneering even though Low's close friend claimed the concert was for charity.

According to a 6 May 2019 United States Department of Justice's indictment, Low was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to gain access to, and potentially influence, Barack Obama's 2012 campaign without disclosing the foreign origins of the money funneled to Obama's Super PAC.{{Cite web |last=March |first=Mary Tyler |date=10 May 2019 |title=Fugees rapper to be charged in Obama super PAC fraud scheme: report |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/443089-fugees-rapper-to-be-charged-in-obama-super-pac-fraud-scheme-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512224331/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/443089-fugees-rapper-to-be-charged-in-obama-super-pac-fraud-scheme-report |archive-date=12 May 2019 |access-date=12 May 2019 |website=The Hill |language=en}} The indictment against Low revealed that he directed the transfer of US$21.6 million from foreign entities to former Fugees rapper Pras in 2012 for funneling into the US election.{{Cite news |title=US charges Jho Low, ex-Fugees rapper, over funding in 2012 election - Business News {{!}} The Star Online |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2019/05/11/us-charges-malaysian-businessman-low-ex-fugees-rapper-over-funding-in-2012-election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518035100/https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2019/05/11/us-charges-malaysian-businessman-low-ex-fugees-rapper-over-funding-in-2012-election/ |archive-date=18 May 2019 |access-date=18 May 2019 |work=The Star}}

Low was also helped by former Justice Department employee Higginbotham, who pleaded guilty to a charge in November 2018, to set up bank accounts for a lobbying campaign against the US investigations into the 1MDB scandal.{{Cite web |date=December 2018 |title=US Justice official pleads guilty in 1MDB lobbying case |url=https://www.nst.com.my/world/2018/12/436259/us-justice-official-pleads-guilty-1mdb-lobbying-case#cxrecs_s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155323/https://www.nst.com.my/world/2018/12/436259/us-justice-official-pleads-guilty-1mdb-lobbying-case#cxrecs_s |archive-date=2 December 2018 |access-date=18 May 2019 |website=www.nst.com.my}}{{Cite news |title=Ex-US Justice Dept employee pleads guilty to 1MDB fraud |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/12/01/ex-us-justice-dept-employee-pleads-guilty-to-1mdb-fraud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206101051/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/12/01/ex-us-justice-dept-employee-pleads-guilty-to-1mdb-fraud/ |archive-date=6 December 2018 |access-date=19 May 2019 |work=The Star}} In response, a spokesman for Low stated that "Mr. Low has never made any campaign contribution directly or indirectly in the United States."{{Cite news |last1=Farrell |first1=Greg |last2=Natarajan |first2=Sridhar |date=12 May 2019 |title=Ex-Fugees Rapper Set to Be Charged in Case Tied to Obama Funding, 1MDB |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/ex-fugees-rapper-poised-to-be-charged-in-case-tied-to-1mdb-probe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512225846/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-10/ex-fugees-rapper-poised-to-be-charged-in-case-tied-to-1mdb-probe |archive-date=12 May 2019 |access-date=12 May 2019 |work=Bloomberg News}}

The FBI has considered whether a donation of $100,000 to Trump Victory in 2017 originated with Low.{{cite news |date=9 August 2019 |title=The bizarre story of 1MDB, the Goldman Sachs-backed Malaysian fund that turned into one of the biggest scandals in financial history |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/1mdb-timeline-the-goldman-sachs-backed-malaysian-wealth-fund-2018-12 |work=Business Insider}}{{cite news |date=14 March 2019 |title=US probing whether Jho Low secretly made donation to Trump's 2020 re-election campaign |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-probing-whether-jho-low-secretly-made-donation-to-trumps-2020-re-election |work=The Straits Times}}{{cite book |last1=Wright |first1=Tom |title=Billion Dollar Whale |last2=Hope |first2=Bradley |date=2018 |publisher=Hachette Books |isbn=9780316436489 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=_ulMDwAAQBAJ&q=%22husband,%20donated%20%24100%2C000%20to%20trump%20victory%22&pg=PT340 340], [https://books.google.com/books?id=_ulMDwAAQBAJ&q=%2275%20million%22&pg=PT392 392] |quote=In December 2017, Larry Davis, Nickie's husband donated $100,000 to Trump Victory, a fund-raising committee for the president's reelection in 2020, allegedly using the money sent by Low. [p. 340] The Wall Street Journal reported that, at one point, $75 million was offered to Elliott Broidy, a businessman and Republican fund-raiser, and his wife if the Justice Department ended its probe into 1MDB. [p.392]}}{{Rp|340}} The Wall Street Journal reported that $75 million was offered to Elliott Broidy, a businessman and a Republican fundraiser, and his wife if the Justice Department ended its probe into 1MDB.{{cite web |last1=Byron |first1=Tau |last2=Horwitz |first2=Jeff |date=4 December 2019 |title=Mueller Witness With Trump Ties Is Charged With Illegally Funneling Money to Support Clinton |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/mueller-witness-with-trump-ties-is-charged-with-illegally-funneling-money-to-support-clinton-11575443943 |url-access=subscription |access-date=22 August 2020 |website=Wall Street Journal}}{{R|Wright-2018|p=392}}

In June 2021, Low was charged by a federal grand jury for running a back-channel campaign to get the Trump administration to drop an investigation of Low and the 1MDB investment company.{{cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Dan |date=11 June 2021 |title=Fugees rapper Pras, Jho Low charged in scheme to get Trump administration to drop 1MDB probe |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/11/fugees-pras-jho-low-charged-in-scheme-to-get-trump-administration-to-drop-probe.html |access-date=11 June 2021 |work=CNBC |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Yaffe-Bellany |first1=David |date=11 June 2021 |title=Jho Low Mounted Secret Lobbying Campaign Over 1MDB Probe, U.S. Says |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-11/alleged-lobbying-push-to-drop-1mdb-probe-spurs-new-indictment |access-date=11 June 2021 |work=Bloomberg News}}

Low has contributed money to various charities.{{Cite web |last=Te |first=Nhu |date=6 July 2017 |title=Malaysian Financer Stole Millions From the Poor |url=https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/malaysian-financer-jho-low-allegedly-stole-millions-poor-give-us-celebrity-charities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226233431/https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/malaysian-financer-jho-low-allegedly-stole-millions-poor-give-us-celebrity-charities/ |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |website=NonProfit PRO}} However, much, if not all, of his charitable giving occurred after the 1MDB scandal began to unfold, and thus critics claim that the money provided to various charities was stolen from 1MDB and that Low's charitable giving is simply part of a public relations strategy to burnish Low's tarnished image.{{Cite web |last=Keil |first=Jennifer Gould |date=30 June 2017 |title=Shady Malaysian billionaire gave millions to celebs' charities |url=https://nypost.com/2017/06/30/shady-malaysian-billionaire-gave-millions-to-celebs-charities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226233429/https://nypost.com/2017/06/30/shady-malaysian-billionaire-gave-millions-to-celebs-charities/ |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Sarawak |date=7 January 2016 |title=Jho Low's Jynwel Foundation — From Stealing Malaysia's Development Money To Donating It To The… |url=https://medium.com/@sarawakreport/jho-low-s-jynwel-foundation-from-stealing-malaysia-s-development-money-to-donating-it-to-the-cbd01cb59945 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226233430/https://medium.com/@sarawakreport/jho-low-s-jynwel-foundation-from-stealing-malaysia-s-development-money-to-donating-it-to-the-cbd01cb59945 |archive-date=26 December 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |website=Medium}}

Low, born in Malaysia and granted Malaysian citizenship at birth, has reportedly possessed numerous passports obtained by economic citizenship.{{Cite news |date=2019-11-05 |title=Malaysian fugitive businessman Jho Low believed to be using multiple passports to criss-cross globe |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-fugitive-businessman-jho-low-believed-to-be-using-multiple-passports-to-criss |access-date=2023-11-24 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} Low is presumed to have used these passports, from Caribbean and Mediterranean nations, to evade arrest.

Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship,{{Cite web |last=corporateName=Commonwealth Parliament; address=Parliament House |first=Canberra |title=Chapter 5 Migration and people movement |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Completed_Inquiries/jfadt/malaysia/report/chapter5 |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=www.aph.gov.au |language=en-AU}} and in June 2018, Malaysian immigration authorities revoked Low's Malaysian passport on the basis that having more than one passport is a criminal offence in Malaysia.{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=14 Jul 2018 |title=Jho Low broke law on dual citizenship, says immigration chief |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/07/14/jho-low-broke-law-on-dual-citizenship-says-immigration-chief/ |website=Free Malaysia Today}}

In 2019, it was reported that Low had been granted a Cypriot passport years earlier, under a Cypriot citizenship investment scheme,{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Interior - Grant of the Cypriot citizenship to non–Cypriot entrepreneurs/ Investors through the "Scheme for Naturalization of Investors in Cyprus by exception |url=http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/moi.nsf/All/36DB428D50A58C00C2257C1B00218CAB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217013545/http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/moi.nsf/All/36DB428D50A58C00C2257C1B00218CAB |archive-date=17 December 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019}} "within two days after investing in some property" in Cyprus.{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |date=3 November 2019 |title=Malaysian fugitive financier holds Cyprus passport – report |url=https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/11/03/malaysian-fugitive-financier-holds-cyprus-passport-report/ |access-date=3 November 2019 |website=Cyprus Mail |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206135421/https://cyprus-mail.com/2019/11/03/malaysian-fugitive-financier-holds-cyprus-passport-report/ |url-status=dead }} At the time, Low had not yet been criminally charged for the 1MDB scandal, but was already under investigation.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2019 |title=Jho Low obtained Cypriot passport after authorities closed in - report |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/498463 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103171451/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/498463 |archive-date=3 November 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019 |website=Malaysiakini |language=en}} Low's Cypriot passport came to light after the Cyprus Papers revealed that the Cypriot government, under the presidency of Nicos Anastasiades, had granted citizenship to Cambodian elites, bringing scrutiny to the investment scheme.{{Cite news |date=23 October 2019 |title=Cyprus to probe how Cambodian elite obtained EU passports |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-hunsen-wealth-cyprus-idUSKBN1X21BJ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103161519/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-hunsen-wealth-cyprus-idUSKBN1X21BJ |archive-date=3 November 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019 |work=Reuters |language=en}}

• Billion Dollar Whale - book about Jho Low
• Corruption in Malaysia
• List of fugitives from justice who disappeared

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Portal bar|Malaysia|Biography}}

{{1MDB}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Low, Jho}}

Category:1981 births

Category:Fugitives wanted by Malaysia

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Category:People educated at Harrow School

Category:People from George Town, Penang

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Category:Political scandals in Malaysia

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