Former PM Najib Razak Gets 15 More Years in Prison in Landmark 1MDB Corruption Case

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been handed another major prison sentence. A High Court judge sentenced him to 15 years on Friday. The conviction is tied to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB state fund scandal.

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah delivered the verdict in Kuala Lumpur. According to the Associated Press, the court found Najib guilty on four abuse of power and 21 money laundering charges. The case involved over $700 million flowing into his personal accounts.

Court Details Massive Fines and Rejects “Donation” Defense

The sentence includes a colossal fine of 13.5 billion ringgit ($3.3 billion). The judge also ordered the seizure of 2.08 billion ringgit in assets. These penalties are part of the money laundering conviction.

Justice Sequerah firmly rejected Najib’s key defense. Najib claimed the funds were a political donation from Saudi royalty. The judge called this claim “incapable of belief,” noting forged letters and clear evidence the money came from 1MDB.

The sentences for each charge will run concurrently. This means Najib faces an additional 15-year term. This new sentence will begin only after he completes his current 12-year term for a separate 1MDB-related case.

A Deepening Fall for Malaysia’s Political Elite

This ruling solidifies Najib’s historic status. He is the first former prime minister of Malaysia to be imprisoned. His downfall began after the 2018 election, which was heavily influenced by public outrage over the 1MDB scandal.

The judge highlighted Najib’s awareness of the scheme. He dismissed the idea that Najib was a naive victim duped by associates. The ruling described a clear pattern of using state funds for personal gain and obstructing investigations.

The scandal continues to ripple through Malaysian politics and finance. Global investigations have traced stolen 1MDB money to luxury assets worldwide. The case exposed profound weaknesses in the country’s governance.

The latest sentence ensures Najib Razak will remain behind bars for years to come, marking a decisive chapter in the long-running 1MDB corruption saga that captivated the world.

Dropping this nugget your way-

What was Najib Razak convicted of this time?

He was convicted on four counts of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering. The charges relate to over $700 million from the 1MDB state fund that entered his personal bank accounts.

How long will he actually serve in prison?

He must serve this new 15-year sentence after his current 12-year term ends. His previous sentence was reduced to six years by a pardons board, so his total imprisonment is now expected to last decades.

What was the financial penalty?

The court imposed a fine of 13.5 billion Malaysian ringgit, roughly $3.3 billion. He also faces asset forfeiture. Failure to pay the fine could result in additional prison time.

What was Najib’s defense in this case?

He argued the money was an unsolicited political donation from the Saudi royal family. The judge rejected this, citing forged documents and clear evidence linking the funds directly to the 1MDB fund.

What happens to his wife, Rosmah Mansor?

Rosmah Mansor was separately sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption in 2022. She is currently out on bail while appealing that conviction.

Can Najib appeal this new verdict?

Yes. His defense lawyer has already stated they will file an appeal. The legal process in Malaysia allows for multiple levels of appeal, which could take several more years.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press (AP).