Thai police seek evidence in alleged PetroSaudi-1MDB extortion

Xavier Justo was arrested on the Thai resort island of Samui Monday for seeking 2.5 million Swiss francs ($2.7 million) from PetroSaudi in exchange for not disclosing confidential information, said Kornchai Klayklueng, deputy commander of the crime suppression division in Bangkok Wednesday. Justo has denied the allegations, the Bangkok Post reported, citing another official at the crime unit.

“Numerous computers, hard drives and other evidence were seized pursuant to a court-ordered search warrant and the investigation is ongoing,” PetroSaudi said in a statement Tuesday. “PetroSaudi is considering further legal action in other jurisdictions.”

Justo, 49, is also alleged to have leaked information about PetroSaudi and 1Malaysia Development Bhd. to a U.K.-based news website, the Bangkok Post said Wednesday, citing police.

1MDB said Wednesday it noted reports of Justo’s arrest and the leaking of proprietary e-mail information belonging to PetroSaudi, as it pledged to cooperate with investigations. PetroSaudi said it was the “victim” of a crime that’s been politicized in Malaysia.

“Initial probes show that some leaked e-mails were tampered with,” 1MDB said. The two companies ended their relationship in 2012, 1MDB said on its website.