Najib Razak Begins Defense Against Graft Charges

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is set to begin his defense this week against graft charges involving over RM2.27 billion (approximately $511 million) in alleged bribes and 21 counts of money laundering, as he seeks to serve the remainder of his six-year jail sentence under house arrest. Najib, who is already incarcerated for corruption related to the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund scandal, will argue that a royal decree from a former king allows him to complete his sentence at home. His defense team remains determined to contest the charges, despite previous court rulings declaring their supporting affidavits inadmissible as hearsay. If Najib is convicted, he could face significant fines and up to 20 years in prison for each count of abuse of power. The case involves Tanore Finance Corp, identified by U.S. authorities as a vehicle for siphoning funds from 1MDB. The Court of Appeal is expected to hear his challenge regarding the house arrest request concurrently with his defense.