A Malaysian government investment fund is embroiled in a corruption scandal that is roiling an important U.S. ally.
Government investigators say nearly $700 million was deposited into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s bank account. More money is believed missing.
The fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd., is under investigation in at least five countries.
Mr. Najib and 1MDB have denied wrongdoing and say they are cooperating with investigators. 1MDB's Controversial Transactions Following the 1MDB money trail is confusing and complicated.
Investigators are focusing on these transactions as they try to untangle the 1MDB scandal. The Wall Street Journal explains. Who's Who in the 1MDB Scandal Dozens of interconnected people, companies and governments have had roles in the 1MDB controversy.
The scandal spans at least seven countries, nearly a dozen companies and investment funds and several key people. Here are some of the most important players surrounding 1MDB and the connections among them. Select the cards to see the connections to other players linked to 1MDB.
The History of 1MDB
Soon after it started in 2009, 1MDB drew controversy.
Within months, board members were complaining about the fund’s dealings.
Later, 1MDB built up a multibillion dollar debt load. Follow the history of
1MDB from its first deal to the exposure of a financial scandal and follow links to stories about the events.
Select highlighted text to watch a related video and the links for past coverage.
May 2009
Terengganu Investment Authority, investment fund started by a Malaysian state, sells more than $1.2 billion worth of bonds backed by a federal guarantee.
September 2009
Prime Minister Najib Razak signs order to rename the fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB. Fund invests $1 billion in joint venture with a Saudi Arabian company called PetroSaudi to develop energy projects.
PHOTO: OLIVIA HARRIS/REUTERS
October 2009
1MDB board members express concern that only $300 million was transferred directly to PetroSaudi’s account while the remaining $700 million was sent to a different account not part of the joint venture, according to minutes of 1MDB board meetings included in a Malaysia auditor general’s report. PetroSaudi and 1MDB say all transactions were proper.Related article »
March 2010 –
October 2011
October 2011
1MDB converts equity stake in the joint venture to loans, books $200 million profit. Invests another $800 million in the form of loans to PetroSaudi, according to the auditor general report.
September 2010
1MDB auditor Ernst & Young fired after it questions profits earned at PetroSaudi, according to 1MDB board minutes. E&Y declined to comment.
September 2012
1MDB sells stake in PetroSaudi joint venture for $2.32 billion, puts proceeds into a unit of 1MDB called Brazen Sky Ltd. that invests in a Cayman Islands fund. Related article »
May and October 2012
Goldman Sachs sells two bonds worth $1.75 billion each for 1MDB to fund power plant purchases. Abu Dhabi’s IPIC guarantees the bonds. Related article »
PHOTO: RICHARD DREW/ASSOCIATED PRESS
May/June 2012
1MDB financial statements show fund made collateral payment of $1.4 billion to IPIC for its bond guarantee. IPIC financials show no record of the payments. 1MDB says payment was made. Two people familiar with the matter said IPIC never received the money.Related article »
October 2012
1MDB buys majority of a power generation business from Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group for $740 million, or 2.3 billion ringgit. Genting financial statements show 1.9 billion ringgit gain on the sale. 1MDB later writes down value of power plants to 500 million ringgit. Related article »
January 2013
Mr. Najib approaches Goldman Sachs executives at World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland about raising money for a new joint venture real estate project with an Abu Dhabi investment fund, people familiar with the matter said. Related article »
March 19, 2013
Goldman underwrites $3 billion in bonds for 1MDB, earning nearly $300 million in fees for taking on risk to complete the deal quickly.
March 21 and
25, 2013
25, 2013
Malaysian investigators say $681 million transferred to Mr. Najib’s alleged bank accounts. Source of funds is unknown and unclear where money went afterward. Mr. Najib denies wrongdoing and says he took no money for personal use. Related article »
1Q 2013
Genting donates 31 million ringgit to Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia Foundation, chaired by Mr. Najib. Genting declined to comment. Related article »
April 2013
Mr. Najib announces 2 million ringgit donation to two schools from Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia Foundation in election battleground of Penang. Related article »
May 2013
In Malaysian national elections, Mr. Najib's party loses popular vote but retains majority in parliament.
July 2, 2015
The Wall Street Journal reports that Malaysian investigators traced nearly $700 million into Mr. Najib's alleged accounts via banks, companies and agencies linked to 1MDB. Investigators said the money came from an unidentified donor in the Middle East. Mr. Najib denies wrongdoing or taking the money for personal gain. Related article »
July 8, 2015
Malaysia government investigators raid offices of 1MDB.
August 2015
Estimated 25,000 people protest against Mr. Najib and 1MDB in Kuala Lumpur. Related article »
PHOTO: EDGAR SU/REUTERS
September 2015
Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. authorities are looking into Mr. Najib’s assets. Mr. Najib has denied wrongdoing and says he took no money for personal use. Related article »
October 2015
Malaysia’s opposition files no-confidence motion against Mr. Najib, though motion has little chance of being approved. Related article »
November 2015
In a Malaysian newspaper interview, Mr. Najib acknowledges concerns over governance at 1MDB and vows that wrongdoers will be brought to justice. Related article »
-http://graphics.wsj.com/
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