The Malaysian Insight said that Low, better known as Jho Low, is believed to have been shuttling between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East, as well as Europe, since June.

The flamboyant businessman is said to have “close relations with members of the royal families” in the Middle East.

Citing sources, the portal reported that Low was offered asylum in August under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights.

“He was offered the asylum as a result of Malaysia’s purported political actions and human rights violations against him,” a source told TMI.

Low’s lawyers, according to the portal, confirmed the asylum but did not divulge further details.

Another source said that Low is protected under international law on grounds he will not get a fair trial in Malaysia.

In September, police said they knew where Low was and hope to bring him back by the end of the year to help in investigations into the multi-billion scandal.