A person resembling fugitive businessman Jho Low was spotted partying in Los Angeles, according to a news report by Page Six, the New York Post’s entertainment news portal.
“I thought it was him. Could there be a guy that looks like him? Of course. But I thought it was him. People were convinced,” a source was quoted saying.
The news report added that back in 2009, Low was often mistaken for popular event photographer Chance Yeh.
The report comes days after Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said police knew his whereabouts and were ramping up efforts to bring him back by December.
Hamid declined to say which country Low was hiding out in.
The entertainment news site claimed Low, who is known for his deep ties to Hollywood, was spotted “surrounded by people” last week at a private dinner party at a producer’s house in the Hollywood Hills.
The report quoted a source who said he thought it was the Penang-born businessman who is at the centre of the 1Malaysa Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
In the past, news reports had speculated that Low was hiding in China.
Hamid said intelligence suggests Low used his wealth to buy influence and is able to roam freely in the country he is in.
“He is free to move around and do business in that country.
“Low, who is wanted, is sly, has a wicked agenda and is using money to buy influence,” he said during a recent interview.
Low has been identified by investigators from Malaysia and the United States as the main character in the 1MDB scandal.
Last December, he was charged in absentia with five money-laundering charges for transferring US$1.03 billion (RM4.21 billion) into Good Star Ltd’s accounts between September 30, 2009, and October 25, 2011.