KUALA LUMPUR, 14 April 2026 — Malaysia’s anti-graft authorities have repatriated four high-value artworks, including a 1961 piece by Pablo Picasso, recovered in connection with the multibillion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the artworks, valued at about US$198,000, include Picasso’s “L’Ecuyère et les clowns” (1961), Joan Miró’s “Composition” (1953), Maurice Utrillo’s “Maison de Rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, Rue St Vincent, Montmartre” (1934), and Balthus’ “Étude pour femme couchée” (1948).
“All artworks have been placed in a specially designated location under strict security control and are currently undergoing an environmental stabilisation process to ensure optimal preservation prior to uncrating, authentication, and valuation by the National Visual Arts Development Board,” the agency said.
Part of Wider 1MDB Asset Recovery
Malaysia has been seeking to recover more than US$4.5 billion siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Berhad between 2009 and 2014 in a global corruption scheme.
U.S. investigators said the misappropriated funds were used to acquire luxury assets, including hotels, jewellery and artworks.
The MACC said the Picasso and Miró pieces were among 12 artworks recovered from a former 1MDB lawyer, which had been stored at Christie’s and Sotheby’s auction houses.
Authorities indicated the recovered works may be displayed at Malaysia’s national art gallery before potentially being auctioned.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The MACC said discussions in December with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Justice Department helped facilitate the repatriation of artworks held in the United States.
“Each recovered asset, including these artworks, demonstrates that there is no safe haven for illicit proceeds to be concealed, even when involving complex cross-border financial networks,” the commission said.
To date, Malaysia has recovered about RM31.2 billion (US$7.90 billion) in assets, representing nearly 70% of all identified properties linked to 1MDB.
The scandal, involving the state fund co-founded by former prime minister Najib Razak, has triggered investigations in at least six countries. Najib, who has denied wrongdoing, was jailed in 2022 after being convicted of graft linked to the case.
