KINIBIZ Controversial 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) latest partner, Indonesian property developer Mulia Group, has ties to a convicted fraudster who has been on the run from Indonesian authorities for years.
According to a 2002 report by The Jakarta Post , Mulia Group is owned by Djoko Tjandra, a fugitive wanted by Indonesian authorities for a 2009 conviction of embezzling some RM149 million in state funds.
Djoko reportedly had been staying in Papua New Guinea in recent years, where he was granted citizenship status - which complicated extradition efforts by his home country.
Djoko ( photo ) is listed on the International Police (Interpol) website as a wanted man by the judicial authorities of Indonesia for corruption offences. He holds both Indonesian and Papua New Guinea citizenship.
According to Forbes, Djoko is also brother to Eka Tjandranegara , who was named as president-director and owner of Mulia Group in 1MDB's press statement on May 13, 2015. It is unclear whether Djoko retains any ownership in Mulia Group following his conviction in 2009.
Forbes ranks Eka Tjandranegara as Indonesia's 17th richest man in 2014 with a net worth of US$1.7 billion (RM6.07 billion).
He reportedly started his business journey with his father and two brothers, one of which was Djoko.
At publishing time KINIBIZ is awaiting response to queries sent to 1MDB representatives. KINIBIZ also emailed Mulia Group but has yet to hear back.
For the full story go to KINIBIZ .
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