L.A. mansion that feds seized from ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ producer sells for $18.5 million

In 2012, Malaysian businessman Jho Low turned heads when he dropped a whopping $38.98 million on a Hollywood Hills mansion, redefining what a home could sell for in the celebrity-filled neighborhood.

Not long after, a federal investigation alleged that Low bought the stunning showplace with money embezzled from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund. Accused of masterminding a scheme that stole $4.5 billion, Low fled the country and federal authorities reached an agreement to list the property for $24.5 million — a staggering $14.48 million shy of what Low paid a few years earlier.

After almost a year on the market, it’s finally sold for $18.5 million.

Low, a high roller who partied with Paris Hilton and poured $100 million into Martin Scorsese’s film “The Wolf of Wall Street,” briefly stayed in the home before skipping town. It was originally owned by legendary Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán, who commissioned architect Ricardo Legorreta to build the place in 1986.

Perched in the Bird Streets, the estate occupies more than an acre and boasts a long, private driveway and a guard house to monitor incoming guests. Photos that date back to 2012 depict a modern structure of more than 13,000 square feet, but the listing notes that the property is in need of a full restoration.

The compound includes a six-bedroom home, a four-car glass garage, a guesthouse, spa complex and swimming pool. Statues dot the landscape around the estate, leading into expansive interiors with modern fixtures and striking views.

A skylighted foyer accesses the living spaces, which include a chandelier-topped dining room and a living room with a built-in fireplace. The voluminous great room adds a wet bar and a two-story wall of windows.

Pocketing doors line the master suite, expanding to a private balcony with sweeping city views. Down below, the backyard has a tiered patio and fire pit.

Ernie Carswell and Christopher Pickett of Douglas Elliman held the listing. Roy Harel of Keller Williams Hollywood Hills represented the buyer.

This post first appeared on LATimes.com. To see the original, click here.