Former Malaysian Leader Najib Razak Sentenced to 15 Years and Hefty Fine in 1MDB Corruption Trial

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak (C) leaves a court in Kuala Lumpur on April 3, 2019, after facing his trial over alleged involvement in the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. – Malaysia’s disgraced former leader Najib Razak pleaded not guilty to all charges against him as he went on trial April 3 over a multi-billion-dollar fraud. (Photo by Mohd RASFAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and must pay 13.5 billion ringgit ($3.3 billion) for his role in the 1MDB corruption scandal. On Friday, the High Court found him guilty of abuse of power and money laundering, linked to over $700 million channeled into his accounts. The new sentence will run after his current term ends. Najib denied wrongdoing, claiming the funds were a Saudi donation. The judge rejected this, citing evidence of Najib’s ties to financier Low Taek Jho. Najib’s lawyer plans to appeal. The scandal has been one of the world’s largest financial frauds.