PETALING JAYA: A UK-based law firm has denied any wrongdoing following the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) probe into its alleged involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)-PetroSaudi deal.
According to a report by London-based The Observer, law firm White & Case LLP said it was unaware of any criminal investigation against the firm and “strenuously” denied any allegations of criminality in relation to the matter.
“We strongly refute any suggestion that White & Case acted in any way inconsistent with the highest ethical and professional standards.
“We are vigorously defending our firm against the allegations in the complaint, and we are confident that we will be vindicated,” it said.
The firm’s response follows remarks by MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who reportedly said the anti-graft agency had concluded its investigation into alleged links to the misappropriation of 1MDB funds, with recommendations to charge several individuals.
Azam said the probe focused on documents suspected of containing false information, as well as misleading payment instructions believed to have facilitated the transfer of 1MDB-linked funds to unauthorised parties.
He added that the investigation, conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, also examined payments made to White & Case.
Azam said international cooperation is ongoing, including requests through the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Mutual Legal Assistance channels with UK authorities, to strengthen the case.
White & Case is also facing an ongoing lawsuit filed by 1MDB in 2024, seeking US$1.83bil and US$33mil in losses from the firm and PetroSaudi International Ltd director Patrick Mahony.
