Najib Razak Sentenced to 15 Years in Major 1MDB Corruption Case

The sentencing of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak represents a watershed moment in the country's fight against corruption and the ongoing saga of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. On December 26, 2025, the nation's High Court delivered a verdict that adds 15 years to Najib's existing prison term and imposes unprecedented financial penalties, reinforcing the global significance of this case.

The Court's Verdict and Sentencing

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah found Najib guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering. The charges stem from more than $700 million that was channeled into Najib's personal bank accounts from the 1MDB state investment fund. The judge sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison for each abuse of power charge and five years for each money laundering charge, with the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an additional 15-year prison term.

The financial penalties are equally staggering. Justice Sequerah imposed a total fine of 11.4 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion) for the abuse of power charges and ordered the recovery of another 2.08 billion ringgit ($514 million) in assets under money laundering laws. If Najib fails to pay these amounts, he faces additional prison time. The new sentence will begin after his current term for an earlier 1MDB-related case concludes.

Rejection of Defense Arguments

During the trial, Najib maintained that the funds were a political donation from Saudi Arabia and claimed he had been misled by rogue financiers, particularly Low Taek Jho, who remains at large and is considered the scandal's mastermind. Justice Sequerah thoroughly rejected these arguments, stating that Najib's claim of a Saudi donation was "incapable of belief." The judge noted that four letters purportedly from the Saudi donor were forged and that evidence clearly showed the funds originated from 1MDB.

The judge also dismissed defense arguments that Najib was an unwitting victim, pointing to witness testimonies that revealed an "unmistakable bond" between Najib and Low. Justice Sequerah described Low as "the proxy, the conduit, the intermediary and the facilitator" for Najib in the 1MDB operations. The judge emphasized that Najib failed to take steps to verify the origin of the massive funds or to take action against Low, instead using the money despite its suspicious origins.

Context of the 1MDB Scandal

The 1MDB scandal represents one of the largest financial frauds in global history. Najib established the development fund shortly after taking office in 2009 and served as chairman of its advisory board while holding veto power as finance minister. Between 2009 and 2014, top executives and associates looted over $4.5 billion from the fund, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

The laundered money flowed through multiple countries including the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland, and was used to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases including hotels, a luxury yacht, art, and jewelry. Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the scandal "kleptocracy at its worst." The fallout extended to Wall Street, with Goldman Sachs facing billions in fines for its role in raising money for 1MDB.

Political Fallout and Legal History

Najib's conviction marks a dramatic fall for a political figure once considered untouchable. The scion of a prominent political family served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, when public anger over the 1MDB scandal led to the election defeat of his ruling party, which had governed Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957.

Najib is already serving a prison sentence from an earlier 1MDB-related case. In 2020, he was sentenced to 12 years for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) channeled into his accounts from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB. He began that sentence in August 2022 after losing a final appeal, becoming Malaysia's first former leader to be imprisoned. The Pardons Board halved his sentence and reduced his fine in 2024.

Earlier this week, Najib failed in his bid to serve his graft sentence under house arrest. Malaysia's High Court ruled that a rare royal order for home arrest issued by the nation's former king was invalid because it was not made in accordance with constitutional requirements. Najib's lawyer has indicated plans to appeal this ruling as well.

Broader Implications and Conclusion

The sentencing sends a powerful message about accountability for corruption at the highest levels of government. Justice Sequerah noted during the ruling that Najib took steps to protect his position, including removing the then-attorney general and anti-corruption chief who were investigating the case. The judge stated, "The accused was no country bumpkin. Any attempt to paint the accused as an ignoramus who was hopelessly unaware of the misdeeds going around him must therefore, fail miserably."

Originally due for release in August 2028 after his sentence reduction, Najib now faces a longer period behind bars. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, was also sentenced to 10 years in prison and a massive fine in 2022 in a separate graft case, though she has been released on bail pending appeal. The continued legal proceedings underscore the far-reaching consequences of the 1MDB scandal and Malaysia's ongoing efforts to address systemic corruption.