How vast was the 1MDB plunder, according to the judge?

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The 1MDB Plunder Was Described as Colossal, Dwarfing Historical Conquests

The judge presiding over the 1MDB criminal trial characterized the scale of the fund's plunder as so immense that it rendered Attila the Hun, a notorious fifth-century conqueror, comparable to a mere "choirboy." This assessment was detailed in the judge's extensive grounds of judgment, which also acknowledged the global perception of the 1MDB scandal as the world's largest instance of kleptocracy. Attila the Hun, historically remembered for his widespread invasions and pillaging across Europe, served as a point of reference to underscore the unprecedented financial magnitude of the misappropriation.
A Colossal Scale of Financial Depredation

Federal Court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, acting as the trial High Court judge, articulated in his 810-page grounds of judgment that the financial scale of the plunder was so vast it made Attila the Hun appear insignificant. This comparison was used to convey the sheer extent of the financial malfeasance associated with 1MDB. The judge’s remarks highlight the extraordinary nature of the economic damage inflicted.
Global Recognition of Kleptocracy

The judge further noted that the 1MDB scandal had garnered widespread recognition from both international bodies and the press. It was frequently described as the "largest episode of kleptocracy in the world." This global characterisation underscores the international attention and gravity attributed to the misappropriation of funds from the Malaysian state investment fund.
Judicial Findings Against Najib Razak

In his judgment, the judge found Datuk Seri Najib Razak guilty on all charges. These convictions included four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering, specifically relating to RM2.27 billion. This verdict detailed Najib’s culpability in the extensive financial irregularities.
Sentencing and Subsequent Appeal

Following the guilty verdict, Najib was sentenced to 15 years in jail and ordered to pay a substantial fine of RM11.38 billion. This sentence was handed down on December 26, 2025. Najib has since appealed this conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal, indicating a continued legal process surrounding the case.

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How vast was the 1MDB plunder, according to the judge?

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