KUALA LUMPUR: There is no credible evidence to support claims that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, is currently in China or using an Australian passport, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said reports suggesting Low’s location and his alleged use of a forged passport were not backed by verifiable facts.
“So far, the report about his whereabouts and the passport he is supposedly using is not supported by credible proof. It remains merely a report by the portal,” he told reporters after visiting the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) yesterday.
Saifuddin was referring to an article by investigative media outlet Brazen, which alleged that Low is living in China using a forged Australian passport under the Greek alias “Constantinos Achilles Veis”.
Low, the alleged mastermind behind the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, is wanted by multiple jurisdictions, including Malaysia, the United States and Singapore for his role in embezzling US$4.5bil (RM18.97bil) from the sovereign wealth fund.
He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim responded cautiously to the latest report, saying: “We have no information; we have yet to receive anything. Let me check. I’ve read the media reports. I need to verify with the Home Minister.”
On a separate matter, Saifuddin said the NSRC will be reinforced with the inclusion of two additional agencies, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Securities Commission (SC).
He said the involvement of KPDN is crucial due to its oversight of the Companies Commission of Malaysia, while the SC will help address scams related to the capital market.
“At present, there are four agencies involved: the police, Bank Negara, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre,” he said.
“In principle, the NSRC is ready to bring in KPDN and the SC. Their inclusion will help the centre to function more effectively.”
He added that while the NSRC will be led by the police, particularly the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), participation from all relevant stakeholders will continue.
To cope with an average of 500 scam-related calls per day, the government has approved an additional 139 permanent staff for the NSRC.
In the interim, 40 CCID personnel have been deployed to assist operations.
Currently, the NSRC is supported by personnel from the police, Bank Negara, calling agents appointed by the central bank and bank officers.
Saifuddin also said the NSRC’s operations will be relocated to Cyberjaya by early September to allow all agencies to work under one roof.
