Cyprus revokes citizenship of fugitive Jho Low

PETALING JAYA: Cyprus has revoked the citizenship of fugitive Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, as reported by the country's media.

Cyprus Mail, citing sources on Thursday (May 18), said the Cyprus Cabinet decided to revoke his citizenship after the recommendation of the Interior Minister.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) said the decision was made after receiving new information on Jho Low.

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The latest development was after the government said in March that it lacked sufficient evidence to rescind Low's citizenship.

Based on present data, it said it was able to recommend the revocation of the passport. He was granted citizenship in 2015.

Low transferred close to €6mil (RM29.4mil) into an account in the Bank of Cyprus and bought a seaside mansion in Ayla Napa for €5mil (RM24.5mil) and received citizenship within a couple of days in that year.

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He also donated around €310,000 (RM1.5mil) to the late Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Low remained a Cypriot citizen despite the government launching proceedings to revoke the status in 2021.

Although under investigation at the time, Low was not officially a wanted man until October 2016, when Interpol issued a red notice on him.