Ex-PM Najib Razak Guilty in Billion-Dollar 1MDB Scandal

A Malaysian court has found former Prime Minister Najib Razak guilty of money laundering and abuse of power. The charges are linked to the theft of more than $800 million from a state investment fund. The judge stated Najib illegally channeled the money into his personal bank accounts. The funds were taken from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). The judge also noted that Najib was "no country bumpkin," implying he understood the seriousness of his actions. This verdict is a major development in the long-running 1MDB scandal. Investigators say a total of $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund. The money was used for luxury goods, real estate, and financing Hollywood films. Najib, who was prime minister from 2009 to 2018, has always denied wrongdoing. He is expected to appeal the court's decision. He faces decades in prison if the conviction is upheld.