1MDB says would co-operate with Swiss probe

KUALA LUMPUR - 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) said it is willing to comply with investigations by any lawful authorities, after news emerged today that Switzerland was probing possible funds misappropriation linked to the Malaysian firm.

1MDB added, however, that it has not heard from the Swiss Attorney-General's Office and that such cooperation would be contingent on the legal counsel it obtains from local authorities.

“As we have previously stated, 1MDB has not been contacted by any foreign legal authorities on any matters relating to the counsel company.

“1MDB remains committed to fully cooperating with any lawful authority and investigation, subject to advice from the relevant domestic lawful authorities, and in accordance with international protocols governing such matters,” the firm said in a statement today.

Swiss AG Michael Lauber yesterday said his office has contacted Malaysia formally to request the country's aid in his investigation on possible violation of Switzerland's laws by 1MDB, which he said detected suspected misappropriation of nearly US$4 billion.

Lauber said the possible violations include corruption, abuse of public office, money laundering, and criminal mismanagement.

Lauber's announcement comes after his Malaysian counterpart, Tan Sri Apandi Ali, this week exonerated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak of any wrongdoing in relation to the receipt of a RM2.6 billion donation previously linked to 1MDB.

Apandi also closed the case on the movement of RM42 million from a former 1MDB unit, SRC International.

The Swiss Attorney General’s office opened criminal proceedings last August against two former 1MDB officials as well as “persons unknown.” The statement yesterday said Lauber had discussed the case with his Malaysian counterpart at a meeting in Zurich in September.

Investigations into 1MDB were previously initiated in the US, UK, Singapore, and France, but the current states of these investigations are not publicly known.