Global Royalty, to re-file a lawsuit against Rosmah for US$14.57 million worth of gems

Malaysia – Global Royalty Trading SAL, a Lebanese jewelry company, will re-file a lawsuit against Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, suing for damages for 43 pieces of jewelry worth US$14.57 million (RM61 million) that are purportedly still in her possession.

When contacted after case management before High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin, Global Royalty’s attorney Datuk David Gurupatham confirmed the matter.

According to the lawyer, they have submitted an affidavit to affirm that during an investigation made by a Global Royalty official at the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) vault on October 25 to November 3, only one diamond bracelet belonging to Global Royalty was discovered from 44 pieces of jewelry claimed by Datin Seri Rosmah.

“Previously, we abandoned the civil complaint against her (Rosmah) in 2019 because we wanted to clarify whether or not the 44 jewelry items were at BNM. As a result, we’ll re-file the civil claim since we believe she still has 43 pieces of jewelry in her possession,” he explained.

According to the consignment agreement, if Rosmah did not return the jewelry to Global Royalty, she would be responsible for the whole cost of the jewelry.

The jewelry was one of several items confiscated by authorities in May 2018 from the premises of Obyu Holdings Sdn Bhd at Pavilion Residences, which were reportedly related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) financial scandal.

Moreover, Gurupatham stated that the court has set a date for the hearing of claims for forfeiture of additional things found at the Obyu Holdings facilities, such as jewelry, watches, and purses, as well as spectacles, from May 23 to 27, 2022.

He also added that it includes a $220,000 diamond bracelet that belonged to Global Royalty as well and was discovered during the inspection at BNM.

Faten Hadni Khairuddin, Deputy Public Prosecutor, verified the date.

The prosecution filed a forfeiture action against Obyu Holdings in 2019 to confiscate different assets, including 11,991 pieces of jewelry, 401 watch bands and 16 watch accessories, 234 pairs of eyeglasses, and 306 handbags, as well as RM114,164,393.44 in cash in different denominations.