FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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1MDB claims e-mails linked to arrest of Swiss man doctored

1MDB claims e-mails linked to arrest of Swiss man doctored

THE 1MALAYSIA Development Berhad (1MDB) has claimed that leaked e-mails connected to the arrest of a former employee of Saudi-based oil and gas firm, PetroSaudi, were tampered with, Malaysia's Star newspaper reported yesterday.

“1MDB notes press reports today on the arrest of a former PetroSaudi staff for attempted blackmail and extortion in relation to proprietary e-mail information belonging to PetroSaudi. We further note that initial probes show that some leaked e-mails were tampered with,” 1MDB said in a statement yesterday. 
The Malaysian state investment arm also said it would cooperate with authorities and that it was confident the probe would be conducted thoroughly. 
“1MDB is confident the lawful authorities will thoroughly investigate, establish the facts and take appropriate action under the law… 1MDB pledges its full cooperation with the lawful authorities in their ongoing investigations on this matter,” it said.
PetroSaudi became embroiled in the 1MDB controversy after a joint-venture deal between the two companies, said to have been orchestrated by business tycoon Low Taek Jho, The Star reported.
On Tuesday, the Thai Police Crime Suppression Division (CSD) announced the arrest of former PetroSaudi employee Xavier Andre Justo, 49, at a house in Koh Samui for attempted blackmail and extortion. 
Police said Justo allegedly demanded Bt90 million from the company in exchange for not disclosing confidential information to rival companies. He was also accused of leaking reports about PetroSaudi and 1MDB to an UK-based news website. 
Justo has denied the allegations. 
At press time last night, Justo was still in CSD custody pending investigation, after which he faces deportation.
Meanwhile, PetroSaudi International said on its website yesterday it welcomed the arrest of a former employee and is fully cooperating with the authorities in Thailand. Justo was charged with attempted blackmail and extortion against PetroSaudi and PetroSaudi was considering further legal action in other jurisdictions, the statement said. 
A PetroSaudi spokesperson said: “We’re relieved Justo will now face justice through the courts. We’ve been the victims of a regrettable crime that has unfortunately been politicised in Malaysia. We’re happy that the Courts will now address this matter, and we apologise to the Malaysian people for the harm caused to them.
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