Film Financing Linked to 1MDB, Charges Withdrawn

Malaysian film producer and co-founder of Red Granite Pictures was charged in July 2019 with multiple counts of money laundering in connection with allegations that funds linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had been used to finance film production and related expenditures. The films produced by the company included The Wolf of Wall Street, Dumb and Dumber To, Daddy;s Home and Friends with Kids.

The accused was Riza Aziz, who faced charges alleging that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activity. The matter proceeded in the Sessions Court.

In May 2020, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charges. The court allowed the application, and the charges were withdrawn. The withdrawal followed a resolution framework that included the recovery and return of assets, including funds and properties of approximately USD150 million, to the Malaysian government.