KUALA LUMPUR 6 May 2026 (The Capital Post) — Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reaffirmed its commitment to recovering high-value artwork linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, one of the country’s largest corruption cases.
According to Reuters, MACC recently showcased four recovered artworks at its headquarters as part of ongoing efforts to reclaim assets purchased using funds allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB.
MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said the agency is continuing its mission to recover additional artworks tied to the global financial scandal, which involved billions of dollars siphoned from the state investment fund between 2009 and 2014.
Among the artworks successfully repatriated last month are pieces by renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Maurice Utrillo, and Balthus. The artworks are currently being safeguarded at MACC headquarters with assistance from Malaysia’s National Art Gallery to ensure proper preservation and temperature control.
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Azam described the recovered artworks as more than just valuable collectibles, stating that they symbolise the country’s biggest corruption scandal and Malaysia’s continued pursuit of justice and asset recovery.
Authorities revealed that 12 artworks connected to the 1MDB scandal have been identified so far, with eight still pending recovery. Some of the recovered artworks may later be exhibited publicly at the National Art Gallery before potentially being auctioned, subject to approval from the Ministry of Finance.
To date, Malaysia has reportedly recovered approximately RM31.3 billion worth of assets linked to the 1MDB scandal, representing nearly 75 percent of all identified assets associated with the case. -The Capital Post
