Sunny

Written by Sunny

Modified & Updated: 22 Sep 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Jho Low

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.

Table of Contents

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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