Jho Low using a fake passport? Australian authorities say their investigators are examining every allegation.

Jho Low using a fake passport? Australian authorities say their investigators are examining every allegation.

CANBERRA, July 22 — Australian authorities have confirmed that their investigators assess all allegations involving the misuse of Australian passports, following reports that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, is allegedly using a fake one.‍

Local
Local

CANBERRA, July 22 — Australian authorities have confirmed that their investigators assess all allegations involving the misuse of Australian passports, following reports that fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, is allegedly using a fake one.

However, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade did not confirm whether it is currently conducting an investigation into Low or provided further details on the case.

“The Australian Passport Office’s specialist investigators and intelligence officers examine every report of fraudulent use of Australian passports,” a department spokesperson told Sydney-based public broadcaster ABC.

“Using a false Australian passport is a criminal offence under Australian passport laws, carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of AU$330,000 (RM912,000),” the spokesperson said.

Citing privacy obligations, the department declined to comment on specific individuals.

Reports last week claimed that Low has been traced to an upscale neighbourhood in Shanghai, China, where he is allegedly living under a false identity and working with groups linked to the Chinese government.

He is believed to be residing in Green Hills, a high-end enclave in Shanghai, under the Greek alias Constantinos Achilles Veis, reportedly using a counterfeit Australian passport.

Low, a Penang native, is accused of being the mastermind behind the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. He has been a fugitive since 2015, with his exact location remaining unknown.

Screengrab of an Australian passport allegedly used by Jho Low with the identity Constantinos Achilles Veis. — Screegrab from YouTube/Project Brazen

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