German newspaper Bild reported that 4 rare Bugatti Veyrons were seized in relation to the 1MDB scandal.
According to Bernama The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it is seeking clarification from German authorities regarding the recent seizures.
Bernama reports, that the latest seizures further add to 50 other luxury vehicles seized in 2018 by Swiss authorities, which are also part of MACC’s sprawling multinational investigation into 1MDB. The first 50 vehicles seized are valued at around RM 200 million.
These 50 vehicles are believed to be owned by Emirati businessman Khadeem al Qubaisi, a key figure and former senior executive of an International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) subsidiary company that is linked to investigations into 1MDB. However, it is unclear at this point if the latest 4 seized vehicles are also owned by Qubaisi.
MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki said recently that its investigations into 1MDB started in 2020, which were followed by a 2021 meeting with the Swiss Attorney-General’s office, further discussions happened in March 2022 aimed to advance MACC’s request for assistance and gather more information about the seized vehicles.
The models seized are part of the Veyron “Legend Series” – a line of ultra-rare Veyron editions introduced in 2013, built in honour of key figures from Bugatti’s history.
The 4 vehicles were found under tarpaulins in an underground car park at Munich’s ‘Motorworld’, a high-end vehicle storage and event facility.
The 4 Veyron Legend Series models seized were reportedly the Rembrandt, Black Bess, Jean-Pierre Wimille, and Meo Constantini versions, 4 of a total 6 within the series, which are limited to just 18 worldwide (3 of each version).
Though price estimates of what they are worth now aren’t available, Legend Series Veyrons retailed for USD 3.14 million (about RM 14.9 million) each when they went on sale. Given their rarity, it is reasonable to estimate that the vehicles are worth more now.
It figures that the 1MDB scandal would involve indecent amounts of stolen money being used for flagrant displays of wealth like this.
