‘Man on the Run’ | All you need to know about 1MDB scandal and its key player Jho Low ahead of Netflix release
Documentary name: Man on the Run
Platform: Netflix
Country of origin: USA
Date of release: January 5, 2024
Genre: True crime
Run time: 1 hr 38 mins
‘Man on the Run’ is all set to hit your Netflix screens after garnering widespread attention during its theatrical release on September 8, 2023.
Directed and written by Cassius Michael Kim, ‘Man on the Run’ is a documentary that chronicles the 1MDB scandal, shedding light on its pivotal figure, Jho Low, who was implicated in embezzling funds from the Malaysian government’s sovereign wealth fund.
Who is Jho Low?
Once celebrated as a shrewd Malaysian businessman with a penchant for a lavish lifestyle, Low Taek Jho, or Jho Low, was a familiar figure at upscale clubs, often socializing with celebrities. His close association with then-Prime Minister Najib Razak drew attention.
However, Jho Low's reputation took a turn as authorities scrutinized his alleged involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) sovereign wealth fund, co-founded by Najib, leading to a significant financial scandal.
Born on 4 November 1981, Jho, who was raised in Penang, Malaysia, studied in London, England, and around that time, became friends with Riza Aziz, Najib’s stepson. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in the US, where he was connected with the children of some of the world's wealthiest, most influential families.
After completing college, Jho initiated business deals in Malaysia, sourcing funds from the Middle East. In 2009, he reportedly proposed the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, which materialized when Riza's stepfather, Najib Razak, became the Prime Minister.
Jho first major deal was the Kuwait Finance House's 2006 purchase for $87 million of a luxury high-rise apartment building in Kuala Lumpur. However, he rose to prominence by orchestrating significant transactions, including the formation of Jynwel Capital in 2010.
Managing relationships with major sovereign wealth funds, Low facilitated deals like the acquisition of New York's Park Lane Hotel and the takeover of Coastal Energy. He played a role in the unsuccessful bid for Reebok in 2014.
Additionally, Jho and Riza established Red Granite Pictures, a Hollywood production company responsible for films including 'Wolf of Wall Street' and 'Dumb and Dumber To'.
The US Government pursued recovery actions for the rights to the movies produced by Red Granite Pictures in 2013 and 2016. The legal claims concluded with a settlement in August 2018, explicitly stating that the payment should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing or liability on the part of Red Granite.
What is the 1MDB scandal?
Originally established in 2009 as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a Malaysian state fund aimed at fostering development through foreign investment and partnerships, the organization was chaired by then-Prime Minister Najib Razak.
However, 1MDB has become embroiled in one of the largest corruption scandals globally, with the US Justice Department estimating the misappropriation of over $4.5 billion.
This scandal led to the downfall of the government, resulting in the arrest of Najib, his wife Rosmah Mansor, and numerous close associates.
Low was named the alleged mastermind of the massive fraud, which prosecutors allege was a scheme to siphon $4.5 billion from 1MDB into Low's personal accounts.
Despite not having a formal position at 1MDB, Low supported its establishment and was given extensive access to the fund due to high-profile political connections in Malaysia and the Middle East, and entertainment connections in the US.
How is Jho Low connected to 1MDB scandal?
Despite lacking an official title in 1MDB, Jho Low asserted that he provided occasional consulting. By 2015, concerns arose over 1MDB's finances, leading authorities to discover approximately $4.5 billion diverted for Jho's personal use, funding extravagant purchases, and even backing the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street'.
While on the run in May 2018, Jho engaged with the Malaysian government, insisting he had only borrowed from 1MDB, according to reports.
In recorded conversations, Jho implicated others and shifted blame to Najib, contending that all actions required Najib's approval. Furthermore, Jho accused Najib of extravagant spending, including over half a billion dollars on his wife's jewelry, notably a $27 million pink diamond that Jho claimed to have bought, as per Al Jazeera.
In a related 2016 investigation in Singapore, around $240 million in assets were seized, with reportedly approximately half linked to Jho.
Where is Jho Low now?
Currently a fugitive, Jho Low remains at large and has mentioned being in China during conversations with the Malaysian government. Despite the cancellation of his passports from Malaysia, St Kitts, and Cyprus, he allegedly traveled to Thailand, Kuwait, and India.
It was believed that he may have used a Grenada passport at the time. While Malaysian police claimed he was residing in Macau, China, the Chinese government denied these claims.
As of June 2020, the 1MDB scandal had been investigated by at least six countries, and Jho had been accused of money laundering in several nations.
In July 2022, the Malaysian government rejected an offer from Jho worth $337 million to settle the case against him.
From Kim Kardashian to Leonardo DiCaprio: Jho Low's Hollywood connections
Paris Hilton
In 2009, Paris Hilton and Jho Low reportedly began their association when 1MDB was established as a state fund. Jho, fascinated with Hilton since his college days at Wharton, reportedly orchestrated a private jet trip for her to Whistler, a Canadian ski resort, as per Quartz.
Despite Jho's initial attempts to have Hilton attend his parties by contacting her manager, the two eventually formed an unusual friendship. On Hilton's 29th birthday at a Las Vegas party, Low reportedly gifted her a Cartier watch and $250,000 in gambling chips for a baccarat game.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio found himself connected to Jho through Red Granite Pictures, which produced 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. Jho reportedly gifted DiCaprio Marlon Brando's Oscar for his 38th birthday in 2012, as per the source website.
Kim Kardashian
In 2019, the FBI questioned Kim Kardashian about a 2009 night of gambling with the disgraced businessman Jho, culminating in the Skims founder receiving substantial winnings as a gift.
This came after Kardashian was spotted flying home from Las Vegas after a night of partying with Jho carrying $250,000 in a trash bag, as per Bloomberg.
Miranda Kerr, Jamie Foxx, Kasseem Dean, aka Swizz Beatz, and Alicia Keys were also some of the celebs spotted partying with Jho Low.
Is ‘Man on the Run’ worth watching?
'Man on the Run' is a gripping documentary that takes you on a wild ride through the world of high finance and international intrigue. With a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime documentaries.
So if you're looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, 'Man on the Run' is definitely worth watching!