Najib Razak Convicted in 1MDB Graft Scandal, Faces Harsher Sentence

KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was convicted on Friday of abusing his power to siphon millions from the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund and laundering the proceeds, a ruling set to extend his current six-year prison term from a related case.

The 72-year-old, who appeared in court in a navy blue suit and white shirt, slumped visibly as Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah found him guilty on all four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving about 2.28 billion ringgit ($554 million).

Najib, son of a Malaysian founding father and once groomed for leadership, fell dramatically after the 2018 election amid outrage over the scandal. Prosecutors proved he exploited his roles as prime minister, finance minister, and 1MDB advisory board chairman over a decade ago to funnel fund money into personal accounts, funding luxury real estate, a yacht, and artworks.

Launched by Najib in 2009, 1MDB saw over $4.5 billion diverted by officials and associates like fugitive financier Jho Low, who had no official role but influenced key decisions.

Judge Sequerah rejected defense claims that Najib was duped by Low or management, calling Low a “proxy or agent” for Najib and dismissing Middle East donor stories as fanciful tales. “The evidence clearly points to… a relationship in which Jho Low operated as a proxy,” the judge said, labeling the dupe argument “unmeritorious.”

Backed by bank records, over 50 witnesses, and documents, prosecutors argued Najib was no victim but the “single most powerful decision-maker” with “absolute financial, executive and political control,” as deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib stated.

Sentencing is expected later Friday.