Malaysian authorities detain ex-PM Najib

Malaysian authorities have arrested former prime minister Najib Razak over graft charges, marking a serious escalation in a corruption probe.

Media cited three sources familiar with the matter saying Razak had been arrested on Tuesday.

The premier had been under an investigation into how billions of dollars went missing from a state fund he founded in 2009.

Razak is expected to be charged in court on Wednesday after being remanded for one night.

His arrest came a day after his stepson was summoned for questioning by authorities. Riza Aziz, Razak’s stepson, was summoned by Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to give a statement in connection with the probe, media reports said on Monday.

In addition, authorities have frozen 408 bank accounts involving funds of about 1.1 billion ringgit (272.4 million dollars) as part of the probe into the multi-billion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB.

1MDB is currently under investigation in at least six countries for graft and money laundering.

Malaysian police last week unveiled nearly 275 million dollars worth of jewelry, handbags, watches, and other items confiscated and purportedly belonging to Razak and his wife.

Amar Singh, the head of the police commercial crime division, said the retail value of the items seized from six properties linked to Najib had been between 900 million ringgit and 1.1 billion ringgit (224 million dollars and 273 million dollars).

SS