CYPRUS said it will relook its citizenship by investment plan following reports that Low Taek Jho or Jho Low became a Cypriot in 2015 under a “golden visa” scheme after buying a €5 million (RM23.5 million) property on the Mediterranean island.

Low, one of the central figures in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal, also obtained citizenship with the help of an archbishop.

The government will look into reports, first published by Cyprus based Greek-language newspaper Politis, that Low obtained a Cypriot passport despite checks during the naturalisation process, Cypriot Interior Minister Constantinos Petrides tweeted yesterday.

Reports that Low hold Cypriot citizenship come in the heels that the fugitive businessman has reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice on US$1 billion (RM4.3 billion) assets bought with funds looted from 1MDB.

The Singapore Straits Times and other sources confirm later reported that Low was in the United Arab Emirates and seeking asylum in a third country.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said yesterday a certain “irresponsible” country is protecting Low.

Hamid said the country has refused to cooperate with Malaysia, making it difficult to bring the businessman back home to face charges.

“We have asked that country to cooperate and send Jho Low back but he seems to be above the law with protection from that particular country.”

Yesterday, Petrides’ predecessor, Socrates Hasicos, who was the interior minister in 2015, called for Low’s citizenship to be revoked if he is found guilty of any crime.

Hasicos said after a 2½-month background check, including with Interpol, Low was granted citizenship.

Politis said Low’s application had the support of Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus, head of the Christian Orthodox church.

The archbishop wrote a letter dated September 1, 2015, to Hasicos, to express his wish for Low to be a naturalised citizen.

Low was subsequently granted citizenship on September 18, 2015, after meeting Hasicos and buying the €5 million villa to fulfil a citizenship requirement to invest in real estate. – November 5, 2019.