KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has successfully repatriated four high-value artworks to Malaysia as part of its ongoing efforts to recover assets linked to the misappropriation of funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
The four pieces are estimated to be worth a combined US$198,125 (approximately RM786,556). They are currently being housed at a designated high-security facility at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, where they will undergo environmental stabilisation, a process known as acclimatisation.
This procedure is necessary to ensure optimal preservation before the National Visual Arts Development Board (NVADB) proceeds with uncrating, authentication, and formal valuation.
MACC said the recovery was achieved through coordinated efforts with domestic enforcement agencies and international strategic partners.
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The collection includes works by renowned international artists: Composition (1953) by Joan Miró; Maison de rendez-vous de chasse de Henri IV, Rue St. Vincent, Montmartre (1943) by Maurice Utrillo; Étude pour femme couchée (1948) by Balthus; and L’Ecuyère et les clowns (1961) by Pablo Picasso.
The return of these artworks underscores Malaysia’s continued success in recovering misappropriated assets and strengthens its standing in implementing international best practices in asset recovery.
To date, Malaysia has recovered approximately RM31.2 billion in assets linked to 1MDB, accounting for nearly 70% of the total identified assets.
This achievement is widely regarded as a global benchmark in recovering proceeds derived from large-scale financial crimes.
MACC emphasised that each recovered asset sends a clear message that there is no safe haven for illicit proceeds, even within complex cross-border financial networks.
Moving forward, the commission said it will intensify its strategic asset tracing and recovery efforts to ensure all unlawfully obtained assets are returned for the benefit of the Malaysian people. — April 14, 2026
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