Ex-Malaysian Prime Minister stepson Riza Aziz arrested and to be charged with money laundering

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak’s stepson, Mr Riza Aziz, was arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today (July 4) afternoon and will be produced in court on Friday (July 5th).

The arrest was confirmed by MACC chief Latheefa Koya.

“He has been arrested today and was released on bail. He has to appear before the court tomorrow to face charges under AMLA,” she said, referring to the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The 43-year-old, who is the son of Mr Najib’s wife, Madam Rosmah Mansor, from a previous marriage, was arrested at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Thursday.

Red Granite paid US$60 million (S$81.37 million) to the US Department of Justice (DoJ) in March last year to settle claims it produced three films using funds siphoned off 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). 

Red Granite Pictures, which produced big-budget comedies such as Daddy’s Home and Dumb and Dumber To, had been required to settle the US$60 million sum in three installments over 12 months from March, according to documents filed with the US district court in California.

The company is accused by US authorities of receiving the sum as part of US$238 million allegedly stolen from 1MDB.

The DoJ believed the money was transferred into bank accounts controlled by Mr Riza.

Mr Riza was accused of using the funds to purchase luxury properties from Low, popularly known as Jho Low, as well as movie posters.

The DoJ had also said Mr Riza claimed the money he received from 1MDB had been “a gift”.

In total, the DoJ is seeking to seize approximately US$1 billion worth of assets allegedly bought with money stolen from 1MDB.

Mr Riza was also named in a RM680 million (S$223.15 million) forfeiture suit filed by prosecutors last month for assets allegedly bought with 1MDB funds.

Also named were Mr Najib's daughter Ms Nooryana Najwa Najib, and his son Mr Norashman Najib.