PUTRAJAYA, April 14 — Four high-value artworks have been returned to Malaysia and are now securely housed at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here as part of ongoing efforts to recover assets linked to the embezzlement of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
The artworks in question are among the assets successfully recovered as part of the government's integrated approach, led by the commission, through close cooperation between local enforcement agencies and international strategic partners.
In a statement, the MACC said the total value of the artworks is estimated at US$198,125 (RM786,556.25), involving works by world-renowned artists.
The artworks are Composition (1953) by Joan Miró; Maison de rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, Rue St. Vincent, Montmartre (1934) by Maurice Utrillo; Etude pour femme couchée (1948) by Balthus; and L’Ecuyere et les clowns (1961) by Pablo Picasso.
All artworks have been placed in a secure location under strict security controls and are undergoing an acclimatisation process to ensure optimal preservation before the opening, verification, and evaluation processes are carried out by the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN).
"The return of these artworks not only symbolises Malaysia's continued success in recovering misappropriated assets but also strengthens the country's position in implementing best practices for asset recovery at the international level," it said.
To date, Malaysia has successfully recovered assets related to 1MDB amounting to approximately RM31.2 billion, which is equivalent to nearly 70 per cent of the total identified assets.
"This achievement is a significant success and is often referenced and used as a benchmark at the international level in efforts to recover assets resulting from large-scale financial crimes," the MACC said.
It emphasises that every asset recovery, including artworks, demonstrates that there is no safe space to hide the proceeds of crime, even when involving complex cross-border financial networks.
The commission added that it will continue to strengthen efforts to aggressively and strategically detect and recover assets, ensuring that every unlawfully obtained asset can be returned to the country for the benefit of the people.
