Authorities are nearing the end of their investigation into how Malaysian fugitive Jho Low obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2015. Low, wanted internationally and by his home country for allegedly embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB investment fund, secured a Cypriot passport through the country’s now-defunct citizenship by investment programme.
Progress in the Investigation
This case is just one of many being probed by a special police team. A meeting yesterday between investigators and the Law Office aimed to review progress and discuss the next steps for open cases, including Low’s. Police spokesperson Christos Andreou confirmed the meeting’s routine nature, focusing on ongoing investigations. The Law Office is monitoring developments and has provided instructions on further actions.
Details of Low’s Citizenship Acquisition
Low’s case involves an international arrest warrant issued by Malaysia, Interpol, and Cyprus itself. He reportedly acquired citizenship through a €5 million villa purchase in Ayia Napa. Upon uncovering his past, Cypriot authorities seized the villa for potential confiscation if his citizenship was obtained through deception.
Involvement of the Late Archbishop Chrysostomos
The investigation delved into the involvement of the late Archbishop Chrysostomos, who received a €300,000 check from Low’s application. The Archbishop returned the check when the scandal broke, and a police investigation found no evidence of corruption. Despite indicators of Low’s fugitive status, revoking his citizenship only happened in May 2023.
Challenges and Delays
Initial delays stemmed from insufficient evidence, requiring the Ministry of Interior to contact Interpol for additional information in March 2023. This information ultimately led to the Ministerial Council’s decision to revoke Low’s citizenship. Unwilling to accept the decision, Low, through a large legal team, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The investigation’s conclusion and the court case’s outcome remain to be seen. Low is accused of embezzling over $4.5 billion from Malaysia’s state investment fund, 1MDB, in 2015 and siphoning them to his own accounts. His whereabouts are unknown and he has denied wrongdoing regarding 1MDB. Low made headlines in Cyprus when he used funds wired by Deutsche Bank to buy an Ayia Napa villa on church land, via which he acquired the Cypriot passport.
