What was the estimated financial scale of the 1MDB plunder?

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The Scale of the 1MDB Plunder Was Described as Colossal, Without a Specific Financial Estimate

The judge presiding over Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 1MDB criminal trial described the financial scale of the fund's plunder as "colossal," likening it to Attila the Hun appearing as a mere "choirboy" in comparison. While the scandal was widely labelled the "largest episode of kleptocracy in the world," the specific total financial amount of the 1MDB plunder was not quantified in the judgment. Najib Razak was found guilty on charges involving RM2.27 billion, and a fine of RM11.38 billion was imposed as part of his sentencing, but these figures do not represent the overall estimated scale of the entire plunder.
Description of the Plunder's Magnitude

Federal Court judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, in his 810-page grounds of judgment, used the striking metaphor to convey the immense financial wrongdoing associated with 1MDB. He stated that the financial scale of the plunder made historical figures known for their extensive conquests and pillaging, such as Attila the Hun, appear insignificant by contrast. The judge also acknowledged the global perception of the 1MDB scandal as the preeminent instance of kleptocracy worldwide.
Najib Razak's Conviction and Sentencing

Najib Razak was convicted on multiple charges related to the 1MDB scandal, specifically on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering. These convictions were linked to a sum of RM2.27 billion. As a consequence of these findings, he received a sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and was ordered to pay a fine amounting to RM11.38 billion.
Context of the Trial Proceedings

The judgment also detailed the challenges and extensive duration of the trial process. The proceedings involved a significant number of witnesses, with 50 from the prosecution and 26 from the defence, including Najib Razak himself. The case, which began with charges in 2018 and was transferred to the High Court later that year, saw its trial commence in August 2019. The trial experienced further delays and disruptions, notably due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the loss of 19 trial days and the vacation of nine additional dates due to infections or close-contact issues among participants.

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What was the estimated financial scale of the 1MDB plunder?

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