Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 25 Jan 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Jho Low, a name that has become synonymous with one of the largest financial scandals in recent history, is a figure shrouded in both opulence and controversy. Here are 38 facts about the enigmatic Malaysian businessman.
Full Name
Jho Low’s full name is Low Taek Jho.
Birth
He was born on 4 November 1981 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Citizenship
He held citizenships in Malaysia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Cyprus at various times.
Education
Jho Low attended the prestigious Harrow School in London and later the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Languages
He is multilingual, speaking Malay, English, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Teochew.
1MDB Scandal
Low is internationally wanted in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal (1MDB scandal).
Mastermind Allegations
He has been labeled the mastermind behind the alleged scheme to divert US$4.5 billion from 1MDB into his personal accounts.
Family Background
Jho Low hails from a wealthy Malaysian-Chinese family with a history of business ventures in iron ore mining, liquor distilleries, and real estate.
Early Life
He grew up in George Town, Penang Island, and his family traditionally maintained a low profile.
Business Acumen
Low’s first major deal involved the Kuwait Finance House’s 2006 purchase of a luxury high-rise apartment building in Kuala Lumpur.
Jynwel Capital
By 2010, Low had consolidated his fortune into Jynwel Capital, a global private equity investment and advisory firm.
Hollywood Connections
He supported the establishment of Red Granite Pictures, responsible for producing films like “Wolf of Wall Street” and “Dumb and Dumber To.”
1MDB Fund
Low was intricately linked with the 1MDB fund, having been involved in several transactions connecting his interests with those of 1MDB.
Interpol Red Notice
In October 2016, Interpol issued a red notice to locate and arrest Low in relation to 1MDB fund flows.
Yacht Controversy
Low’s yacht, Equanimity, is believed to have been purchased using 1MDB funds.
Political Connections
He had personal ties to the Najib Razak family and supported the Prime Minister with 1MDB cash during the 2013 elections.
US Indictment
In November 2018, Low and two ex-Goldman Sachs bankers were indicted by the US Department of Justice in connection with the 1MDB allegations.
Settlement with US
In October 2019, Low entered into a comprehensive settlement with the US government concerning asset forfeiture claims against various assets linked to him.
Gifts to Celebrities
Low allegedly gifted a US$325,000 white Ferrari to Kim Kardashian and has been associated with other celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Miranda Kerr.
Investment in Films
Low invested $100 million in the production of “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Lobbying in the US
Low was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to influence Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign without disclosing the foreign origins of the money.
Social Life
Before becoming an international fugitive, Low lived a high-profile social life, associating with celebrities and attending lavish parties.
Romantic Ties
He dated Taiwanese singer Elva Hsiao and Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr.
Philanthropy
Despite controversies, Low has contributed to various charities.
Current Status
As of recent reports, Low is believed to be residing in China and has been seen in cities like Macau.
Chinese Connections
He has been reported to be living in a house owned by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party.
Interpol’s Involvement
Despite an Interpol red notice, Low has managed to travel freely.
Denial of Charges
Low has consistently denied all allegations against him and has described the charges as “political reprisal.”
Family’s Business Ventures
His grandfather, Low Meng Tak, had interests in iron ore mining, liquor distilleries, and real estate across Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Father’s Legacy
Jho Low’s father, Tan Sri Larry Low Hock Peng, founded the investment holding company MWE Holdings.
Educational Background
After attending local schools in Penang, Low was sent to the elite Harrow School in London, where he mingled with students from influential families.
University Connections
At the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Low developed connections with Malaysians and Middle Eastern royals.
Business Strategy
Early in his career, Low claimed to be investing on behalf of other investors to maintain a low profile about his family’s wealth.
Jynwel’s Deals
Jynwel Capital, under Low’s stewardship, was involved in significant deals, including the acquisition of New York’s Park Lane Hotel and the takeover of Coastal Energy.
Red Granite Pictures
This Hollywood production company, backed by Low, produced major films and faced legal actions related to the 1MDB scandal.
1MDB’s Origins
The 1MDB fund was established after Najib Razak became Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2009.
Real Estate Connections
Properties in the US, linked to Low, have been the subject of investigations related to the 1MDB scandal.
Current Legal Status
As of 2023, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced collaboration with various countries to expedite Low’s extradition back to Malaysia.
Final Word
Jho Low’s life, marked by opulence, connections, and controversy, serves as a testament to the intricate web of finance, politics, and entertainment on the global stage. As investigations continue and new revelations emerge, the world watches with bated breath to see the next chapter in
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