Authorities in Hong Kong and Macau are staying mum over whether or not Malaysia’s most wanted international financier fugitive, Jho Low, is currently in hiding out in Macau.
The popular gambling center is a former Portuguese colony, and conveniently shares no formal extradition agreement with Malaysia.
Low, wanted in connection to the missing billions associated with Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, 1MDB, was believed to have been in Dubai before allegedly heading to the casino hub.
Authorities confirmed that Low had evaded police capture in Hong Kong, with the Inspector-General of Police confirming that by the time his officers arrived in the former British colony, Low had already fled to Macau.
Hong Kong police, and the city’s Department of Justice, have said they will not be commenting on the matter.
The South China Morning Post relays that sources are speculating that Low may make an 11th hour asylum bid, as he is only legally allowed to stay in Macau for 30 days upon arrival. They suggest that Low’s visa will soon expire, if it has not already, and that his only option to avoid arrest, is to ask for asylum.
Earlier this week, Malaysia’s Immigration Department canceled Low’s passport; however, it is believed that he was traveling under a second passport, from the tiny Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis.
The nation has had a long-standing passport via investment scheme that allows for foreigners to receive citizenship should they pump enough capital into the island. Recently, other governments have become suspicious of unscrupulous passport issuing to individuals looking simply to avoid the long arm of the law.
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