U.S. Denies Role in Transfer of Jho Low's Yacht to Malaysia

The super yacht Equanimity in Port Klang, Malaysia, on Aug. 7. Photographer: Joshua Paul/Bloomberg

The U.S. Justice Department reiterated it wasn’t involved in turning over Low Taek Jho’s $250 million super yacht to Malaysia from Indonesia as the fugitive financier vowed not to submit to any jurisdiction where his guilt had been predetermined.

Federal prosecutors said their only part in the yacht’s handover was to advise the crew members of the “Equanimity” to obey the instructions of the Indonesian government, which had both physical and legal custody of the 300-foot boat, according to a court filing in Los Angeles on Friday.

Lawyers representing the companies that hold title to Low’s yacht last week asked a federal judge to order the Justice Department to provide a “thorough clarification” on whether U.S. agencies or officials knew in advance or were involved in transferring the “Equanimity” to Malaysia. The lawyers cited a statement by the Malaysian attorney general that thanked the U.S. for its help in seizing the yacht.