WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Switzerland’s chief prosecutor said yesterday he has formally asked Malaysia for help with his probe into possible violations of Swiss law by the state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), saying suspected misappropriations amounted to about $4 billion.
The office of Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber said the request pertained to possible violations of Swiss laws related to bribery of foreign officials, misconduct in public office, money laundering and criminal mismanagement at 1MDB.
Earlier this week, Malaysia’s attorney general cleared Prime Minister Najib Razak of any criminal offences or corruption, declaring that $681 million deposited into his personal bank account was a gift from Saudi Arabia’s Royal family.
1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Najib, was being examined by Malaysian authorities investigating accusations of financial mismanagement and graft. The fund has been dogged by controversy over its $11 billion debt and alleged financial mismanagement.
