Sunday 12 February 2017

Jho Low. J- Mafia

Is a current top ten hit on the Russian charts by Effective Radio.

The J-Mafia, or better known as Jho Low, having dragged Malaysia's name to the sewers, now looks to have another country in sight.

It's not China YET. The Washington Post has the story, on how the J-Mafia is making life very difficult for New Zealand politicians. Read Below :

1MDB-linked Malaysian financier Jho Low's private jet shines light on New Zealand's murky trusts

(WASHINGTON POST) - A flamboyant Malaysian financier linked to an international money-laundering probe has laid bare New Zealand's surprising appeal as a destination for the ultra-rich to park their wealth.

Family members of Low Taek Jho, who is suspected by US officials of diverting money from Malaysia's state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), are beneficiaries of New Zealand trusts holding US$265 million in assets including a Bombardier jet, a luxury Beverley Hills hotel and a penthouse in the Time Warner Centre in Manhattan, according to court documents.

The family is fighting the US Justice Department's bid to seize the assets. Jho Low has said he provided consulting to 1MDB that didn't break any laws.

The case has shone a spotlight on a multi-billion dollar trust industry in New Zealand that allows foreigners to hold assets with minimal disclosure.

While Prime Minister Bill English's government has committed to tighten rules around trusts and legislation is before parliament, the opposition wants it to do more to safeguard the image of a nation that tops global transparency rankings.

The opposition Labour party is calling for a public register of assets and their beneficiaries, which could lead to an exodus from the industry as the mega wealthy seek to protect their privacy.

"The government's ongoing complacency risks seeing our reputation damaged," Grant Robertson, Labour's finance spokesman, said by email.