Jho Low, born on November 4, 1981, in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, is a businessman whose name is now synonymous with one of the largest financial scandals of the 21st century: the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
Once estimated to have a net worth of $150 million, Low used funds siphoned from 1MDB to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including luxury real estate, private jets, yachts, and gifts to high-profile celebrities.
His involvement in the scandal, which saw over $4.5 billion embezzled, has left a lasting mark on global finance and politics.
As of now, Low remains a fugitive, believed to be hiding in China while multiple investigations continue to unfold.
The Lavish Wealth of Jho Low: From Business Tycoon to Criminal Fugitive
Jho Low’s wealth, although once valued at $150 million, was primarily derived from his role in the 1MDB scandal.
As the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, Low orchestrated the diversion of funds from the sovereign wealth fund, channeling billions of dollars into his personal accounts.
This money funded a luxurious lifestyle, including mansions around the world, a private jet, and a $250 million yacht.
Additionally, Low’s connections with celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Alicia Keys, and Miranda Kerr, were financed by these stolen funds.
Low even financed Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, a film that became entangled in the scandal when it was revealed that money from 1MDB was used to bankroll the production.
Despite the billions he amassed, Low’s wealth is now largely considered tainted, with many of his assets seized in ongoing investigations.
MUST READ: Paul Castellano Net Worth: The Rise and Fall of a Mafia Kingpin
Biography
| Full Name | Jho Taek Low |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | George Town, Penang, Malaysia |
| Nationality | Malaysian |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $150 million (funded by embezzled 1MDB money) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Investor, Fugitive |
| Known For | Involvement in the 1MDB scandal, embezzlement of billions, celebrity associations, financing “The Wolf of Wall Street” |
| Criminal Charges | Money laundering, embezzlement, bribery, conspiracy, and political manipulation |
| Current Status | Fugitive, believed to be hiding in China, facing ongoing investigations |
Early Life and Education: The Foundations of Ambition
Jho Low was born into a prosperous Malaysian Chinese family, the youngest of three siblings.
He attended Chung Ling High School and the International School of Penang before moving to London to attend the prestigious Harrow School.
It was at Harrow that Low began to socialize with other members of the elite, developing relationships that would later prove crucial to his business ventures.
After completing his schooling in London, he moved to the United States to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he studied business.
It was here that Low began to build a network of wealthy and influential contacts, some of whom would later help him expand his business empire.
Business Ventures: The Birth of Jynwel Capital and 1MDB
In 2010, Low’s business career hit a significant milestone with the creation of his investment firm, Jynwel Capital.
This firm became a key player in global finance, facilitating major deals with sovereign wealth funds and international investors, including the Kuwait Investment Authority and UAE’s Mubadala Development Company.
Some of Jynwel Capital’s major transactions included the $660 million acquisition of New York City’s Park Lane Hotel and the $2.2 billion takeover of Coastal Energy.
However, it was Low’s involvement with the Malaysian 1MDB fund that would make him infamous. He convinced the Malaysian government, led by then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, to launch the sovereign wealth fund, which Low would later exploit for personal gain.
Through 1MDB, Low allegedly funneled billions of dollars into various offshore accounts and shell companies. These funds were used not only to finance Low’s personal lifestyle but also to maintain political connections and influence.
The scandal reached its peak when it was revealed that more than $4.5 billion had been embezzled from the fund, much of it directed into properties, luxury items, and gifts for political figures, including Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The extent of the embezzlement raised alarm internationally, with investigations launched across multiple countries.
The 1MDB Scandal: Embezzlement and Lavish Spending
The 1MDB scandal remains the cornerstone of Jho Low’s criminal legacy. In 2015, it was revealed that over $700 million from 1MDB had been diverted into the personal accounts of Prime Minister Najib Razak, with Jho Low orchestrating the operation.
Investigations later revealed that more than $4.5 billion was embezzled, and Low had been involved in an elaborate scheme to move these funds globally through shell companies, bribery, and money laundering.
A significant portion of the misappropriated funds was used to purchase luxury assets, including real estate, artworks, and a private yacht. Low’s lifestyle also included expensive gifts to celebrities and political figures, some of whom unknowingly became embroiled in the scandal.
For example, Low financed the production of The Wolf of Wall Street, a film that ultimately became part of the U.S. government’s asset forfeiture process, with proceeds from the film’s profits being seized.
The 1MDB scandal led to widespread public outrage in Malaysia, with protests and calls for accountability. International investigations followed, including in the U.S., where Low and others were charged with money laundering and conspiracy.
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak was eventually convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Low’s role in the scandal continues to be scrutinized, and he faces charges for his part in the scheme.
Fugitive Status: A Life on the Run
In 2018, Jho Low became a wanted fugitive. After being implicated in the 1MDB scandal, he fled Malaysia and has since evaded capture. Despite numerous warrants for his arrest, Low has remained at large, believed to be hiding in China, although some reports suggest he may have acquired Cypriot citizenship.
Low has consistently claimed that he is being persecuted due to his political ties with Najib Razak and that the charges against him are politically motivated.
However, he is facing multiple criminal charges, including money laundering, conspiracy, and bribery, in various countries. His status as a fugitive has made him a subject of global interest, as authorities continue to search for him.
Personal Life: Celebrity Connections and Lavish Gifts
Before becoming a fugitive, Jho Low was known for his high-profile social life, mingling with celebrities and gifting them lavish items. His most famous relationships included those with Taiwanese singer Elva Hsiao and Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr.
Low also developed friendships with Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, and Paris Hilton.
Many of these relationships were funded by the misappropriated funds from 1MDB, with Low gifting millions of dollars worth of jewelry, art, and other luxury items to these celebrities.
However, once the scandal broke, several of these celebrities were forced to return the gifts they had received. For example, DiCaprio returned paintings by Picasso and Basquiat, and Kerr returned $8 million worth of jewelry. The public backlash against these celebrities and their association with Low further tarnished his already controversial reputation.
Conclusion
Jho Low’s story is a cautionary tale of ambition, greed, and eventual ruin.
From his rise as a wealthy businessman to his involvement in one of the largest financial scandals in modern history, Low’s life exemplifies how power and wealth can be misused for personal gain.
The 1MDB scandal continues to resonate globally, with investigations still ongoing and legal proceedings still unfolding. As a fugitive, Jho Low’s future remains uncertain, but his story has already made a significant impact on the world of finance and politics.
People May Ask
Q1: How did Jho Low accumulate his wealth?
Jho Low’s wealth was primarily derived from his role in the 1MDB scandal, where he embezzled billions of dollars from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. These funds were used to finance his extravagant lifestyle, including luxury real estate, gifts to celebrities, and financing high-profile films.
Q2: What is the 1MDB scandal?
The 1MDB scandal involved the embezzlement of over $4.5 billion from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, which was orchestrated by Jho Low and others. The funds were diverted into personal accounts and used for luxury items, political influence, and financing Hollywood films.
Q3: Is Jho Low still on the run?
Yes, Jho Low is currently a fugitive, believed to be hiding in China. He faces multiple criminal charges related to the 1MDB scandal in various countries.
Q4: What role did celebrities play in the scandal?
Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Miranda Kerr were among those who received gifts funded by the stolen 1MDB money. Many of these gifts were later returned once the scandal broke.
Click here to learn more.
