THREE luxury homes belonging to former prime minister Najib Razak’s stepson Riza Aziz, are to be sold as part of efforts to recover funds allegedly stolen from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), reported Reuters today.

It was reported that US prosecutors are making the move on the homes which are a £23.2 million (RM117.2 million) London townhouse, a US$17.5 million (RM73.4 million) house in Beverly Hills and a US$35.5 million (RM148.8 million) condominium in New York, citing court filings.

Yesterday, prosecutors and the companies holding the three properties had asked a California court to lift a stay on forfeiture proceedings to enable their sale.

The properties are said have been bought by Riza from fugitive financier Low Taek Jho.

Riza, who co-founded Hollywood production company Red Granite Pictures, was charged with five counts of money-laundering in Malaysia in July.

The amount involved, US$248 million (RM1.25 billion), was allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB.

His will be heard at the Kuala Lumpur High Court in January. – August 15, 2019.