Wolf of Wall Street producer Riza Aziz faces up to 25 years in prison for money laundering. The producer is facing five charges that carry a sentence of five years each. Currently, Aziz maintains his innocence and has plead not guilty to all five charges
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producer allegedly received upwards of $200 million from 1Malaysia Development Bhd. The investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Bhd, was initially established by his stepfather, former Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Prosecutors believe that the funds were used to kick start luxury real estate projects in Los Angeles, New York and London.
The charges arrive along with a load of other charges filed against other members of Razak’s inner circle. The former prime minister and Aziz’s mother are facing charges of corruption and money laundering as well. Aziz’s close friend, Jho Low, is the alleged mastermind behind the corruption scandal. Authorities in Malaysia, U.S. and Singapore are currently pursuing Low for a variety of charges.
Riza Aziz made his name in Hollywood when he helped found Red Granite. The Hollywood production company played an integral role in putting together the Leonardo DiCaprio led film, Wolf of Wall Street.
Aziz will stand trial in Malaysia on August 9, 2019.
