Malaysian financier Jho Low, accused of orchestrating the multibillion‑dollar 1MDB fraud, has formally petitioned former President Donald Trump for a presidential pardon, a filing with the Justice Department shows. The request, entered into the Office of the Pardon Attorney’s system this year, remains listed as “pending.” Low, who fled U.S. jurisdiction after a 2018 indictment, continues to deny wrongdoing.

U.S. prosecutors allege Low masterminded schemes that siphoned at least $4.5 bn from the state‑run fund, laundering the proceeds and violating U.S. bribery statutes. The 1MDB scandal, described in court as the largest financial crime in history, toppled former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak and implicated major banks. Goldman Sachs settled for over $1 bn in penalties, while JPMorgan paid $330 mn to Malaysia.

Trump’s clemency record includes high‑profile figures such as Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht and Binance co‑founder Changpeng Zhao, underscoring the political weight of any pardon. A White House official confirmed the president alone decides on such requests, while the Justice Department declined comment. Low’s pending petition adds another layer to a saga that has already cost banks billions in settlements.