Authorities are nearing the completion of their investigation into how Malaysian fugitive Jho Low obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2015.
Jho Low, who is wanted internationally for allegedly embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB investment fund, secured a Cypriot passport through the disgraced citizenship by investment program (aka Golden Passport Program.)
This case is among many under investigation by a special police team. A recent meeting between investigators and the Law Office reviewed progress and discussed the next steps for ongoing cases, including Low’s.
Police spokesperson Christos Andreou emphasized the routine nature of this meeting, focusing on ongoing investigations. The Law Office is closely monitoring developments and has provided further instructions.
Low’s case involves an international arrest warrant issued by Malaysia, Interpol, and Cyprus. He reportedly acquired citizenship through the purchase of a €5 million villa in Ayia Napa.
Once his past was uncovered, Cypriot authorities seized the villa for potential confiscation if it was found that his citizenship was obtained through deception.
The investigation also examined the role of the late Archbishop Chrysostomos, who received a €300,000 check from Low during his application.
The Archbishop returned the check when the scandal emerged, and a police investigation found no evidence of corruption.
Despite indications of Low’s fugitive status, his citizenship was only revoked in May 2023. Initial delays were due to insufficient evidence, prompting the Ministry of Interior to contact Interpol for more information in March 2023. This information ultimately led to the Ministerial Council’s decision to revoke Low’s citizenship.
Unwilling to accept the decision, Jho Low, supported by a large legal team, has appealed to the Supreme Court. The investigation’s conclusion and the court case’s outcome remain pending.
Low is accused of embezzling over $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund in 2015 and siphoning the funds to his own accounts. He denies any wrongdoing, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Low gained attention in Cyprus by using funds wired by Deutsche Bank to buy the Ayia Napa villa, through which he acquired his Cypriot passport.
