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The inquiry, run
by a unit of the Justice Department that probes international
corruption, is centered on U.S. properties bought in recent
years by Najib's stepson and properties relating to "a close
family friend", the newspaper said.
It is also examining an allegation that $681 million was
deposited into Najib's personal bank account, the New York Times
added.
Calls for comment from Najib's office went unanswered.
The alleged $681 million deposit had surfaced in July in a
report in The Wall Street Journal, which said it had been
uncovered by Malaysian investigators probing allegations of
graft and mismanagement at sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia
Development Bhd [TERRN.UL] (1MDB).
Reuters has not verified the Wall Street Journal report.
Najib has denied taking any money for personal gain, and 1MDB
has denied transferring funds to him. An interim government
report found nothing suspicious.
The U.S. investigation is still at an early stage and could take
years to determine if any federal laws were broken, the New York
Times said.
Najib faces pressure at home to step down from his post over the
1MDB scandal. He chairs the fund's advisory board.
1MDB is seeking to cut its $11 billion debt by selling power and
property assets.
(Reporting By Al-Zaquan Amer Hamzah; Editing by Mark Bendeich)
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