Former Malaysian PM Najib arrives at court ahead of first 1MDB case verdict

Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak arrived at a Kuala Lumpur court on Tuesday to hear a verdict in the first of several trials he faces over a multi-billion dollar graft scandal at 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a state fund he founded. Najib faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors suspected that more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. If convicted, the former premier could be punished with hefty fines and jail terms of up to 15 or 20 years on each charge. It is unclear if he will be sentenced immediately if found guilty. His lawyers have said sentencing could be delayed or suspended due to the complex nature of the case.