KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 12): The US government is considering Malaysia’s request for the extradition of former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner, said the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
The extradition request for Leissner, one of the key figures in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) saga, was made more than a year ago on Aug 14, 2024, it said in a statement.
“Malaysia has also responded to additional requests from the US for further clarification and information, and will give its full cooperation to ensure the extradition process proceeds smoothly," the statement read.
The request follows new information that arised from the trial of Leissner’s colleague Roger Ng in the US, also in relation with 1MDB.
The AGC’s statement confirmed earlier reports which first surfaced in May this year about Leissner’s extradition request.
Malaysia "continues to seek documents" and to bring to justice individuals like Leissner who was never tried in Malaysia’s courts, the AGC said.
Leissner pleaded guilty in 2018 for conspiring to launder money and bribe foreign officials in relation with 1MDB.
He admitted to receiving around US$60 million in kickbacks, as 1MDB roped in Goldman Sachs for US$6.5 billion bond issuance, from which Goldman Sachs received US$600 million in fees.
An Interpol Red Notice was issued against Leissner in November 2024, which alleged that the former banker breached Malaysia’s capital markets regulations and could face up to 10 years’ jail if found guilty, according to reports.
Roger Ng, also from Goldman Sachs, was extradited to Malaysia soon after he was found guilty in the US for money laundering, which landed him a 10-year jail term.
Goldman Sachs have reached a settlement with Malaysia of US$3.9 billion (approximately RM16.5 billion), comprising US$2.5 billion in cash and an asset recovery guarantee valued at US$1.4 billion.
In September, news surfaced that the government was initially pursuing fines against the bank amounting to over US$6.3 billion, and up to US$9 billion at one point.