2016-07-21wsj.com

The Justice Department filed lawsuits Wednesday to seize assets that it said were the result of $3.5 billion that was misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, a fund set up by Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 to boost the Malaysian economy.

The move sets up a rare confrontation between U.S. prosecutors and an important partner in the fight against terrorism. The moderate Muslim nation is also a counterpoint to China's rising ambitions in Asia.

Among the Justice Department's assertions: That some $1 billion originating with 1MDB was plowed into hotels; luxury real estate in Manhattan, Beverly Hills and London; fine art; a private jet and the 2013 film "The Wolf of Wall Street." Among those behind the spending, the lawsuit alleges, was Riza Aziz, stepson of Mr. Najib.

...

The complaint reveals previously unknown allegations about the money that flowed into Mr. Najib's accounts, such as how prosecutors believe a Saudi prince acted as an intermediary for some of the money and the exact circuit funds followed between a handful of key offshore companies.

Mr. Najib has been at the center of the scandal surrounding 1MDB since The Wall Street Journal reported more than a year ago that hundreds of millions of dollars that originated with 1MDB flowed into his personal bank account. Mr. Najib has said he had done nothing wrong and that any suggestions of wrongdoing were political smears.



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