‘Wolf of Wall Street’ producer Riza Aziz arrested on money laundering charges in Malaysia

Producer of “The Wolf of Wall Street”, Riza Aziz, was arrested in Malaysia on Thursday on money laundering charges.

As being reported he has been in connection with the looting of a massive investment fund set up by his step father and former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak.

Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor have both been charged by Malaysian authorities in connection with the 1MDB scandal that last year brought down his government. Razak is charged with abuse of power, breach of trust and money laundering.

His wife, whose shopping habits were legendary, has been charged with money laundering and tax evasion. Both deny the charges.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed his arrest news, however, the Hollywood film producer was released shortly later on bail.

The anti-graft agency’s chief Latheefa Koya says that Riza will be brought to court tomorrow to face charges under Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla).

“He has to appear in court tomorrow to face charges under Amla,” Latheefa confirmed in a brief text message.

Riza Aziz, son of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor is expected to be charged as the owner of Red Granite Pictures for receiving laundered money from Good Star Ltd, a company associated with fugitive financier Low Taek Jho.

It was reported earlier that based on findings by the US Department of Justice, Red Granite, which produced the Oscar-nominated film Wolf of Wall Street, had received money misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

US Department of Justice filed a civil asset forfeiture action against Red Granite in July 2016 as part of broader efforts to recoup more than US$1 billion allegedly embezzled from 1MDB.

In March last year, Riza’s Red Granite agreed to pay US$60 million (RM234 million) to the US government to resolve allegations that it profited from corrupt money involving 1MDB. The payment was settled within six months.