1MDB Scandal: Malaysian Minister Criticizes Banker’s Sentence
- Tim Leissner, a former goldman sachs executive, was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison for his role in the massive 1Malaysia development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
- Leissner, who previously admitted guilt to bribery and money laundering charges in the U.S., faced a potential maximum sentence of 25 years.
- Malaysia's Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, who chairs the 1MDB asset recovery taskforce, argued Friday that Leissner, a key figure in the 1MDB corruption scandal, deserved the maximum...
Former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner has been sentenced to just two years in prison for his role in the massive 1MDB scandal, sparking outrage.The Malaysian government, including Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, believes the sentence is far to lenient given the scale of the corruption, with billions of dollars stolen from the 1MDB fund. Leissner confessed to bribery and money laundering, and his testimony helped convict others, but officials are still calling for greater accountability. News Directory 3 reports on this unfolding legal battle, which has already ensnared high-ranking officials. With Leissner’s sentence set to begin in September, and ongoing efforts to recover stolen assets, what further developments will emerge in this complex case of international corruption? Discover what’s next.
ex-Goldman banker Leissner Sentenced in 1MDB Scandal; Sentence Criticized
Updated May 30, 2025
Tim Leissner, a former goldman sachs executive, was sentenced Thursday to two years in prison for his role in the massive 1Malaysia development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. The sentencing, handed down by a New York judge, has drawn criticism from Malaysian officials who believe it is indeed insufficient.
Leissner, who previously admitted guilt to bribery and money laundering charges in the U.S., faced a potential maximum sentence of 25 years. Judge Margo brodie described his actions as “brazen and audacious” during the sentencing hearing.
Malaysia’s Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani, who chairs the 1MDB asset recovery taskforce, argued Friday that Leissner, a key figure in the 1MDB corruption scandal, deserved the maximum sentence. The 1MDB fund, intended to spur foreign investment in Malaysia, was instead used in a scheme that saw billions of dollars siphoned off.
Authorities estimate that approximately $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund,implicating high-ranking officials,including former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib razak,who was jailed in 2022. Leissner confessed in 2018 to bribery and money laundering, including paying roughly $2 billion in bribes.
Leissner is slated to begin his 24-month sentence in September, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. prosecutors had requested leniency, citing Leissner’s “extraordinary” assistance to the inquiry.He was a key witness in the 2022 trial of Roger Ng, another former Goldman Sachs executive, who received a 10-year sentence in March 2023 for his role in the 1MDB scheme.
Leissner also provided information regarding Low taek Jho, also known as “Jho Low,” who is accused of stealing billions from the fund and remains at large.
“sincere apology to the people of malaysia…deeply regret[s]” his actions.
What’s next
The fallout from the 1MDB scandal continues, with ongoing efforts to recover stolen assets and bring all those involved to justice. Leissner’s sentence marks another chapter in the saga, but the pursuit of accountability remains a priority for Malaysian and international authorities.