Jho Low absent from Interpol list despite global pursuit over 1MDB scandal

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Despite being one of the world’s most wanted financial fugitives, Low Taek Jho, widely known as Jho Low, remains absent from Interpol’s Red Notice list as of April 2026.

The omission has drawn attention as Malaysian authorities continue to pursue multiple individuals linked to high-profile financial and criminal cases.

Several individuals reportedly wanted to facilitate investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) are also not listed on Interpol’s Red Notice system.

This has allowed some of them, according to reports, to reside overseas and maintain affluent lifestyles in regions including Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

According to local media reporting, not all individuals sought by the MACC are publicly disclosed due to ongoing investigations.

High-profile fugitives still at large

At least four high-profile individuals are currently being pursued by the MACC.

Among them, Low is considered one of the most prominent, given his alleged role in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, which resulted in massive financial losses to Malaysia.

Despite being wanted by Malaysian authorities and linked to investigations in multiple jurisdictions, his name does not appear on the Red Notice list.

Checks of Interpol’s database show only four Malaysians currently listed.

These include Koh Ing Kueh, Umar Sirul Azhar, Tan Lok Seng and Loo Soon Aik.

Each is wanted for serious offences ranging from fraud to murder.

Koh, a 50-year-old from Sarawak, is accused of operating a fictitious insurance scheme that allegedly defrauded victims of tens of thousands of ringgit. She is believed to be residing in Wisconsin in the United States.

Umar Sirul Azhar, a former police commando, fled to Australia after being convicted and sentenced to death for the 2006 C4 bombing murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

Tan Lok Seng, from Penang, is wanted in connection with the alleged misappropriation of RM92 million.

Loo Soon Aik fled Singapore after being linked to the 2012 stabbing murder of a money courier in Raffles Place.

All four individuals remain publicly listed under Interpol’s Red Notice system.

1MDB-linked figures not fully listed

Beyond Jho Low, several individuals associated with the 1MDB scandal are also not on the Red Notice list.

Investigations into the case remain ongoing.

One of those is Tang Keng Chee, also known as Casey Tang, a former executive director of business development at 1MDB.

Tang has re-emerged as a focus of MACC investigations.

Sources indicate that he is linked to funds suspected of being misappropriated in connection with the scandal.

He has also been named in previous investigations and asset recovery efforts.

Earlier reports stated that he could face charges in absentia, including criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

Tang had previously been charged with transferring US$1 billion of 1MDB funds into a third-party account.

Red Notices were reportedly issued against him in 2018 and 2019, but he has yet to be apprehended.

Other individuals under investigation

Businessman Muhammad Adlan Berhan is also being tracked by authorities.

He is sought to assist in investigations related to a separate case.

Adlan left Malaysia on 17 May 2023 for New Zealand, shortly after Muhyiddin Yassin faced multiple corruption charges.

He is reportedly residing in a Middle Eastern country and living a luxurious lifestyle.

Records from the MACC indicate that nearly 30 individuals are currently on its wanted list.

Among them are the children of Daim Zainuddin, who have been sought since April 2025 in connection with the Op Godfather investigation.

While Daim’s daughter, Asnida, has since been charged, three sons—Md Wira Dani, Muhammed Amir Zainuddin and Muhammed Amin Zainuddin—remain on the list.

Also listed is Mansoor Saat, a lawyer and director of NERS Sdn Bhd.

He has been wanted since 2023 in relation to breach of trust allegations tied to the NERS project.

The project was funded through a RM595 million sukuk facility.

MACC vows intensified efforts

MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki stated that efforts to locate individuals linked to ongoing investigations would continue to be strengthened.

“MACC is committed to continuing efforts to track those who have fled from investigations. These efforts will be further intensified to ensure that all individuals involved can be traced and brought back to assist in the investigations,” he said.

He added that stolen funds must be returned and emphasised that no amnesty should be granted in such cases.

“Stolen money must be returned to the people. In my view, no amnesty should be granted to those involved in cases like these because they involve the interests and rights of the people,” he said.

Azam also noted that the commission regularly seeks updates from relevant authorities regarding the whereabouts of individuals on its wanted list.

Cooperation between enforcement agencies is being strengthened to ensure swift action when new information emerges.

Parliamentary questions over Jho Low in 2022

The absence of Jho Low from Interpol’s Red Notice list has previously been raised in Parliament.

In October 2022, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng questioned whether Malaysian police had contacted journalists Tom Wright and Bradley Hope.

The journalists had claimed that Jho Low and his family were spotted in China and Hong Kong between 2018 and 2019.

Lim also asked why no rewards had been offered for information on Jho Low’s whereabouts.

In response, then Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin stated that Malaysia would not offer rewards.

He said authorities believed Interpol’s Red Notice system was a more effective mechanism.

According to Hamzah, the system enables cooperation among 195 member states, allowing information to be shared to facilitate extradition.

Following this response, Wright reportedly claimed that no one within the Malaysian government was actively attempting to locate Low.

At the time, Low’s name was also not listed on the Interpol database.