It has been reported that the leading man of 'The Revenant' made an appearance before a Grand Jury in Washington D.C. to provide insights about the Malaysian financier's activities.
- January 7, 2019
AceShowbiz - Leonardo DiCaprio has reportedly testified against a former benefactor caught up in a multi-billion-dollar fraud investigation.
Sources familiar with the case told The Washington Post that "The Revenant" star made a secret appearance before a Washington D.C. Grand Jury in recent months to testify as part of the U.S. Justice Department's probe into embezzlement from a Malaysian government investment fund.
One of those accused is fugitive financier Jho Low, who lavished gifts on the actor, including an Oscar statuette that once belonged to Marlon Brando and artwork by Picasso, and also helped fund his movie "The Wolf of Wall Street".
The 44-year-old is not a target of the probe and is in the process of forfeiting the items he received from Jho.
According to the Post, prosecutors believe the actor can provide useful insights about the celebrity-loving Malaysian financier's activities.
The alleged fraudster, who is believed to be on the run in China, is accused of stealing and laundering billions of dollars from the government fund and then financing a lobbying campaign to halt the investigations into him. Any evidence the actor and environmentalist has given to the Grand Jury remains secret under U.S. law.
Leonardo's representatives have not commented on whether he has given evidence, but previously said he was cooperating with investigators and is, "entirely supportive of all efforts to assure that justice is done in this matter."
The rogue businessman's love of fame has led to other celebrities being involved in the case; model Miranda Kerr had to forfeit $8.1 million (£6.4 million) worth of diamonds she was gifted by him, and former The Fugees rapper Pras has been forced to deny involvement in helping Jho move money to fund lobbying efforts.
