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DOJ seizes Jim Carrey movie as part of Malaysian corruption probe

The Department of Justice seized the rights to the Jim Carrey comedy “Dumb and Dumber To” on Thursday in response to alleged money laundering through a state-owned Malaysian investment fund.

The 2014 movie, a sequel, is reportedly one of two Hollywood comedies U.S. authorities seized on Tuesday, according to Reuters. The rights to the movie were allegedly bought with illegal funds. 

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The department announced on Thursday the filing of complaints to recover $540 million in assets stolen from a sovereign wealth fund known as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

“Dumb and Dumber To” belongs to the production company Red Granite Pictures. Red Granite told Reuters in a statement it was in discussions with the Justice Department “aimed at resolving these civil cases and is fully cooperating.”

1MDB has disclaimed any investment interest in the company, according to the Justice Department.  

The Justice Department said $4.5 billion belonging to the sovereign wealth fund was stolen by high level officials at the fund, as well as their associates.