(March 2): US counterintelligence officials are scrutinizing one of Ivanka Trump's international business deals involving Tiah Joo Kim, scion of one of Malaysia's richest families.

In a CNN exclusive report, it was stated that the FBI has been looking into the negotiations and financing surrounding Trump International Hotel and Tower in Vancouver.

CNN reported: "The Trump Organization does not own the building. Instead, like other Trump projects, it receives licensing and marketing fees from the developer, Joo Kim Tiah. A scion of one of Malaysia's wealthiest families, Tiah runs his family's Canada-based development company Holborn Group.

"President Trump's June financial disclosure form said the Trump Organization made more than US$5 million in royalties and US$21,500 in management fees from the Vancouver property.

"The US$360 million project, which features 147 guest rooms and 217 luxury residences, quickly became a magnet for foreign buyers.
In the case of Vancouver, it's not clear why investigators are examining this particular deal. The timing of the deal — as one of the few Trump-branded properties to open since Trump took office — could be of interest. The flow of foreign money, either from the developer or international condo buyers, could also be sparking scrutiny."

Holborn is backed financially by Tony Tiah Thee Kian, chairman of TA Enterprise, which controls several other businesses. The elder Tiah has a checkered business history, including securities laws violations and false statements to the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange, according to the Malaysia's Securities Commission. Joo Kim is the face of Holborn, CNN reported.