Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been acquitted of charges related to embezzlement and money laundering

Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak Acquitted in 1MDB Scandal Case

Kuala Lumpur– Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been acquitted of charges related to embezzlement and money laundering in the 1MDB state fund scandal. Malaysia's former Finance Minister, General Irwan Serigar Abdullah, who was also implicated in the case, has been cleared by the court today. The news was reported by The Times of Malaysia.

The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund, established in 2009 under Najib’s leadership, aimed to promote economic development. However, between 2009 and 2014, approximately $4.5 billion went missing from the fund. Najib was accused of abusing his powers as Prime Minister and conspiring with influential officials to misappropriate the massive sum.

In 2018, Najib was charged in connection to the scandal, and in 2020, a lower court sentenced him to 12 years in prison and imposed a fine of $447.72 million. The verdict was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Earlier this year, Najib and Irwan submitted appeals for royal pardon to Malaysia's King, whose advisory council includes the Attorney General and other key officials. While Najib’s legal team has not disclosed specific details, it is widely believed that the royal intervention played a crucial role in the acquittal.

The high-profile 1MDB case has drawn significant international attention over the years, highlighting global financial irregularities and governance issues.