Roger Ng’s lawyer said Tim Leissner was the Goldman Sachs Group Inc banker who built “critical” relationships in the 1MDB scandal, not his client.
Marc Agnifilo, the lawyer, said that was why his cross-examination of Leissner frequently touched on the banker’s private life.
Ng is accused of conspiring to violate US anti-money-laundering laws in a scheme to loot billions from 1MDB.
“Our premise is that all of the relationships he has, they’re all strategic,” Agnifilo said.
“Leissner was instrumental not just in his capacity as an efficient Goldman Sachs employee, but in having personal connections with people.”
Ng is accused of conspiring with Leissner and Malaysian financier Jho Low in a scheme to bribe officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi and loot hundreds of millions of dollars out of 1MDB.
Leissner, who pleaded guilty in 2018, is the government’s star witness against Ng, who he described as maintaining Goldman’s relationships with Ng and others.
But Ng argues Leissner, his former boss, led those relationships.
Agnifilo was arguing to introduce into evidence an email between Leissner and former Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Rohana Rozhan. Rohana was also Leissner’s mistress.
“It is relevant in light of Leissner’s testimony that it was Ng who had these ‘critical relationships’ to help these deals move forward,” Agnifilo said.
Leissner “was putting Roger in all of this when Leissner is the one who’s using connections. Sometimes he uses intimacy,” the lawyer said.
The judge said she would consider whether to allow the evidence and would rule later on this.
Earlier reports:
Mar 3, 1MDB prosecutor: Defence harassing Leissner
Mar 3, Tengku Zafrul’s name mentioned in Leissner’s testimony
Mar 2, Leissner, Ng consulted feng shui master on 1MDB probe
Mar 2, Leissner testifies that he ‘lied a lot’, misled women
Mar 2, Leissner: Jho Low said he discussed 1MDB probe with Trump allies
Mar 1, Leissner: Jho Low said money from third 1MDB bond meant to fund election
Feb 25, Leissner: Najib and Sheikh on Jho Low’s ‘bribe list’
Feb 25, Leissner: 1MDB loot wasn’t enough, so I stole from Jho Low
Feb 25, Leissner and Ng used wives to disguise kickbacks from Jho Low
Feb 24, Jho Low tried to book Bill Clinton for Rosmah’s soirée
Feb 24, Jho Low ‘chased’ Leissner over donation to Rosmah’s charity
Feb 23, Leissner claims affair with ex-Astro CEO, blackmailed into buying her US$10m London home
Feb 23, Leissner mentions ‘bribery’ involving ex-BNM governor’s husband
Feb 23, Ex-Goldman chief discussed getting jobs for Najib’s children
Feb 17, Tim Leissner: Senior Goldman staff knew about Jho Low in 1MDB
Feb 17, Ex-Goldman banker Tim Leissner: Greed and ambition motivated 1MDB bribery
Feb 15, Tim Leissner allegedly a ‘double bigamist’