Former PetroSaudi employee arrested in Thailand for allegedly leaking 1MDB information

(The Star) – A former PetroSaudi International employee has been arrested in Thailand, allegedly for leaking information related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Xavier Justo, a former IT executive at the company, was arrested at his home in Thailand on Monday and was charged with attempted blackmail and extortion against his former employer.

“We are relieved that Mr Justo will now face justice through the courts. We have been the victims of a regrettable crime that has unfortunately been politicised in Malaysia.

“We are happy to finally set the record straight and we apologise to the Malaysian people for the harm that one of our unscrupulous ex-employees has caused to them,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Royal Thai Police’s crime suppression division had reportedly seized numerous computers, hard drives, and other evidence from Justo’s residence after obtaining a court ordered search warrant.

PetroSaudi said it was mulling further legal action in other jurisdictions against Justo’s actions.

PetroSaudi had become embroiled in the 1MDB controversy after a joint-venture deal between the two companies was said to have been orchestrated by business tycoon Low Taek Jho.