Fugitive Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho, known as Jho Low, could be considered for a US presidential pardon as part of a mass clemency proposal marking the United States’ 250th Independence Day on July 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The large-scale plan anticipates granting 250 pardons to coincide with the milestone anniversary [1, 3, 4].
Jho Low faces multiple criminal charges in the US, including corruption and money laundering related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. Authorities allege at least US$4.5 billion was misappropriated through this scheme [1, 2, 3, 4]. In 2024, Low settled with the US Department of Justice, agreeing to return over US$100 million linked to the scandal [4].
In May 2026, Low filed a formal pardon request for "Pardon after Completion of Sentence," seeking dismissal of the outstanding criminal charges [1, 2, 4]. However, his current whereabouts remain unknown, and he continues to deny any wrongdoing [1, 3, 4]. The US temporarily lifted an Interpol red notice against Low to assist Malaysia’s efforts to recover assets connected to 1MDB [1].
Despite reports naming Jho Low among the 250 candidates under consideration, a White House official stated on July 2 that Low's pardon request was not "on the radar" of the pardon team and that the proposal had not been finalized or presented to President Donald Trump [1, 3, 4]. The official added, "While the president is the final decision maker on all pardons, these individuals are not on the radar of the pardon team" [3].
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian government would not oppose a US pardon for Low but emphasized that the matter was a US jurisdiction issue. He stressed Low must still face Malaysian courts despite any clemency granted abroad. Anwar said, "Although Malaysia does not support this, it is an internal matter of the United States... Jho Low must still face trial in Malaysia" [1, 2, 4].
Rapper Pras Michel, convicted of illegal lobbying linked to Low, is also reportedly among individuals considered for a pardon [1, 3, 4]. Meanwhile, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, convicted in the 1MDB scandal, is pursuing a pardon in Malaysia [2, 4].
The expected announcement of these pardons is set for July 4, 2026, marking the US 250th Independence Day anniversary [1, 3, 4]. Authorities continue to weigh the clemency requests ahead of the date.
