Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak arrested by anti-corruption agency

Detention comes after ex-leader was earlier charged with multiple counts of criminal breach of trust and and money laundering

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak will face further charges of abuse of power over the multimillion dollar looting of a state investment fund after his arrest on Wednesday, the country's anti-corruption agency has said

The agency said in a statement that Mr Razak was detained at its office over the transfer of 2.6 billion ringgit (£477m) into his bank account. It said Mr Razak will be taken to court on Thursday to face several charges under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

It didn't give details, but the section deals with the abuse of power.

Mr Razak was earlier charged with multiple counts of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering over the scandal at the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund, just months after his shocking electoral defeat. He has pleaded not guilty and his trial is due to start next year.

Mr Razak set up 1MDB when he took power in 2009 to promote economic development, but the fund amassed billions in debt and is being investigated in the US and several other countries for alleged cross-border embezzlement and money laundering.

Public anger over the 1MDB scandal led to the stunning ouster of Mr Razak's long-ruling coalition in 9 May national polls and ushered in the first change of power since independence from Britain in 1957.

The new government reopened investigations stifled under Mr Razak's rule and barred him and his wife from leaving the country. Police also seized jewellery and hundreds of handbags and other valuables estimated at more than 1.1 billion ringgit from properties linked to him.

Police have said investigations have shown that $972m had been transferred to Mr Razak's bank account from three companies linked to 1MDB.

Mr Razak, 65, has accused Malaysia's new government under prime minister Mahathir Mohamad of seeking political vengeance and vowed to clear his name at his trial. He has claimed the money was a political donation from Saudi Arabia's royal family.

Associated Press