The Malaysian Insight

IT is unlikely that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, is hiding in Los Angeles as reported in a US-based entertainment website, said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

The police chief said the security is very tight in the United States and it is illogical to suggest that Low can be hiding from the authorities there.

Low is wanted in Malaysia over 1Malaysia Development Berhad related charges.

“I can’t comment on the news report but it is not logical for that to happen as border security in the US is very tight.

“I don’t think Low could have smuggled himself into the US without the authorities knowing,” he said after an event in Penang today.

Last week, entertainment site pagesix.com reported that a person resembling Low was spotted partying in Los Angeles.

Popular event photographer Chance Yeh has often been mistaken for Low.

The report came days after Hamid had said the police knew Low’s whereabouts and were ramping up efforts to extradite him by December.

The entertainment news site claimed Low, known for his deep ties to Hollywood, was spotted “surrounded by people” at a private dinner party at a producer’s house in the Hollywood Hills.

In the past, news reports had speculated that Low was hiding in China.

Hamid had said intelligence reports suggest Low used his wealth to buy influence and able to roam freely in the country he is in.

“He is free to move around and do business in that country.

“Low is sly, has a wicked agenda and is using money to buy influence,” he said recently.

Hamid today said it would be embarrassing for the US if Low was found hiding in the country.

“But I am confident he is not. He is still in the country that I mentioned before.

“I can’t reveal the country as yet. It can be Kazakhstan or anywhere else.”

He said he is in discussion with the country to extradite Low.

“I have given time for the country to cooperate with us on this matter. I am trying my best to bring Jho Low back.

“I am not saying that we will bring him back by the end of this year but that is my target.” – October 10, 2019.