The cabinet confirmed it has revoked the citizenship of fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low.
Low, wanted by Interpol for significant financial crimes, had his Cypriot citizenship initially revoked in May 2023. He appealed the decision, but on May 17, 2024, an independent citizenship commission rejected his objection.
Under Cypriot law, citizenship can be revoked within ten years of naturalisation for individuals wanted internationally for serious crimes. Low had acquired Cypriot citizenship in September 2015 through the country’s citizenship by investment programme (aka Golden Passport scheme). The Council of Ministers approved the Interior Minister’s proposal to issue a decree finalising the revocation.
This decision occurs amidst ongoing investigations into Low’s alleged involvement in the 1MDB scandal, where he is accused of embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB investment fund and transferring the funds to his accounts.
Low reportedly obtained Cypriot citizenship by purchasing a €5 million villa in Ayia Napa. On discovering his criminal background, Cypriot authorities seized the villa for potential confiscation if he obtained his citizenship fraudulently.
The investigation also examined the role of the late Archbishop Chrysostomos, who had received a €300,000 check from Low’s application. The Archbishop returned the check when the scandal emerged, and a police investigation found no evidence of corruption.
