1MDB Fund: US Considering Malaysia's Extradition Request For Tim Leissner

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The United States government is currently considering an extradition request submitted by Malaysia on Aug 14, 2024, seeking the surrender of former Goldman Sachs executive Tim Leissner to face trial in connection with proceedings involving the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund.

The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), in a media statement today,  said Malaysia has also taken follow-up action,  including supplying additional information requested by the United States.

According to the AGC, the pursuit of justice in the 1MDB case demands continued resolve and perseverance.

“Malaysians remain deeply concerned about the role played by Goldman Sachs in one of the largest fraud schemes in modern history, which targeted Malaysians as its primary victims.

“Since 2023, when former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was returned to Malaysian investigators after being tried and convicted in the United States, new information has emerged.

 "Malaysia continues to work towards securing documents previously unavailable and bringing in individuals, including Tim Leissner, who have yet to be tried under Malaysia’s justice system,” the statement said.

The AGC added that Malaysia continues to suffer not only from the long-term financial impact of the scandal but also from irreversible losses until all recovery efforts are fully realised.

“Therefore, Malaysia will not relent in seeking fair and just redress from the global banking giant and from all those complicit in this criminal act,” the statement said.

On May 29, Bernama reported that Leissner,  who once served as Goldman Sachs’ Southeast Asia chairman, was sentenced to two years in prison by a New York court for his role in the 1MDB scandal.

Judge Margo Brodie described Leissner’s actions as “brazen and unethical,” noting that although his cooperation with the prosecution was considered during sentencing, it could not undo the extensive damage caused by high-level corruption across several countries.

In court, Leissner apologised to Malaysians and expressed regret for his actions.

-- BERNAMA