Di Caprio gives up Brando’s Oscar to US government

Leonardo DiCaprio has given over an Oscars statuette he was given as a gift, as part of an ongoing investigation into claims that ill-gotten finances were used to fund films made by production company Red Granite Pictures.

The US Attorney's Office's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section is investigating claims that the company used tens of millions of dollars of stolen Malaysian money to finance its films.

In a new filing, authorities are looking to seize all rights to the Red Granite-produced movies Dumb and Dumber To and Daddy's Home.

It's also looking to recover assets distributed by the company, such as artwork and jewellery, some of which had been given to celebrities as gifts – which is where DiCaprio comes in.

The actor was given one of Marlon Brando's Oscars as well as some highly-valued pieces of art for his work on Red Granite's The Wolf of Wall Street.

"Prior to the government's filing of the civil pleading today, Mr DiCaprio initiated return of these items, which were received and accepted by him for the purpose of being included in an annual charity auction to benefit his eponymous foundation,” Di Caprio’s representatives said.

"He has also returned an Oscar originally won by Marlon Brando, which was given to Mr DiCaprio as a set gift by Red Granite to thank him for his work on The Wolf of Wall Street.

"Mr DiCaprio is grateful for the support of the government in this effort, and continues to hope that justice is done in this matter."