Switzerland has been investigating how billions of dollars earmarked for economic development through 1Malaysia Development Bhd. was diverted and made its way into Swiss banks for the personal enrichment of the accused. Lauber, working with Singaporean and US authorities, had been publicly critical in the past of Malaysian authorities for their lack of cooperation. After Najib lost his bid for re-election in mid-May to rival and former premier Mahathir Mohamad, the new government said it would reopen a graft probe.
(July 10): Swiss prosecutors are now investigating six people for alleged involvement in Malaysia’s multi-billion dollar 1MDB scandal, days after former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was charged with corruption for his role in the affair.
Two Swiss banks – Falcon Private Bank and BSI SA – are also suspected to be involved, Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber told reporters Tuesday in Putrajaya following a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Tommy Thomas.
