[🇧🇩] Everything about Hasina's misrule/Laundered Money etc.

[Saif]

BFIU seeks bank account details of 21 more journalists

A senior official of BFIU confirmed the matter to The Daily Star

www.thedailystar.net

BFIU seeks bank account details of 21 more journalists

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) today sought the bank account details of 21 more journalists.

A senior official of BFIU confirmed the matter to The Daily Star.

The 21 journalists are -- Saiful Alam, editor of the Daily Jugantor; Pranab Saha, sacked editor of DBC News, Hasan Zahid Tusher, former deputy press secretary to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, M Shamsur Rahman, editor-in-chief and CEO of Independent TV; Mamun Abdullah, head of news at Independent TV; Animesh Kar, special correspondent of Independent TV; Md Ruhul Amin Russell, managing editor of Bangladesh Pratidin; and Mahmud Hasan, deputy editor of Bangladesh Pratidin.

The rest journalists are -- Daily Khola Kagoj senior reporter Zafar Ahmed, who is now working at BanglaNews, Daily Jatiya Orthoniti Editor MG Kibria Chowdhury, Amader Somoy and Amader Orthoniti Chief Reporter Deepak Chowdhury, Ekushey TV's Head of Input Akhil Kumar Poddar, Ekattor TV journalist Jhumur Bari, Ekushey Sangbad Editor Ziadur Rahman, Daily Kalbela special correspondent Angur Nahar Monty, My TV Chairman Nasir Uddin Sathi, SA TV journalist Rashed Kanjan, BSS Senior Reporter Shahnaz Siddiqui, Ekushey TV journalist Rashed Chaudhry, SA TV Head of News Mahmud Al Faisal, and Samakal journalist Rama Prasad.

Earlier, the BFIU summoned the bank account details of 12 journalists.​

 

[Saif]

BFIU seeks bank account info of Tulip, family

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) yesterday sought information on the bank accounts of Tulip Siddiq, niece of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and UK city minister, and her family members.

www.thedailystar.net

BFIU seeks bank account info of Tulip, family

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) yesterday sought information on the bank accounts of Tulip Siddiq, niece of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and UK city minister, and her family members.

The anti-money laundering agency has also asked for details of the accounts of Azmina Siddique, Tulip's sister, her brother Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and mother Sheikh Rehana.

Banks have been instructed to submit all the relevant information, including transaction records, account opening forms, and other related information.

Earlier, the BFIU sought information on the bank accounts of Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed, and daughter Saima Wazed.

Tulip recently made headlines in international media as she is now under increasing pressure to resign due to her ties with the fallen Awami League government.

Tulip, who is responsible for anti-corruption efforts, has been linked to multiple properties associated with Hasina and her party. The AL has been accused of siphoning funds from Bangladesh's banking system, although they deny the allegations, reports British daily Financial Times (FT).

The FT disclosed last Friday that Tulip became the owner of a two-bedroom flat near King's Cross in London in 2004 without making any payment for it. The flat had been purchased three years earlier for £195,000 by Abdul Motalif, a developer connected to senior AL figures.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh orders banks to assist UK minister graft probe

Bangladesh money laundering investigators have ordered the country’s big banks to hand over details of transactions relating to British anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq in an ongoing graft probe, officers told AFP

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh orders banks to assist UK minister graft probe
AFP
Dhaka
Published: 09 Jan 2025, 10: 58

Bangladesh money laundering investigators have ordered the country’s big banks to hand over details of transactions relating to British anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq in an ongoing graft probe, officers told AFP.

Siddiq is the niece of former Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina, who fled abroad last August after a student-led uprising against her iron-fisted tenure.

Last month the national anti-corruption commission launched a probe into the alleged embezzlement by Hasina’s family of $5 billion connected to a Russian-funded nuclear power plant.

Two officials from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Bangladeshi banks had been instructed to furnish any financial records relating to Siddiq.

A BFIU document issued Tuesday and seen by AFP showed that banks had also been told to provide transaction records for Hasina, her son and daughter, Siddiq’s two siblings and her mother Sheikh Rehana.

The kickback allegations relate to the $12.65 billion Rooppur nuclear plant, which was bankrolled by Moscow with a 90 per cent loan.

“The claims of kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and potential abuse of power raise significant concerns about the integrity of the project and the use of public funds”, the anti-corruption commission said last month when announcing the probe.

The order came a day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that Siddiq had referred herself to his standards adviser.

Siddiq insists she has done nothing wrong and a spokesman for Starmer said he retains “full confidence” in her.

The referral came after the Sunday Times and Financial Times newspapers reported that she had lived in properties linked to her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

“In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family’s links to the former government of Bangladesh,” Siddiq wrote in her letter to ministerial standards watchdog Laurie Magnus.

“I am clear that I have done nothing wrong,” she added. “However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters.”

Her aunt Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh by helicopter on 5 August, shortly before protesters stormed her palace in the capital Dhaka.

She remains in neighbouring India but the interim government that replaced her has demanded her extradition to face trial for the police killing of protesters during the revolt against her regime.​

 

[Saif]

UK PM's allies mulling options to replace Tulip Siddiq: report

The Times has been told some of those close to the prime minister are at least informally considering who could succeed her

www.thedailystar.net

UK PM's allies mulling options to replace Tulip Siddiq: report

Photo: Facebook/Tulip Siddiq

Senior allies of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are considering candidates to replace Tulip Siddiq if she is forced to quit over links to her aunt's ousted Bangladeshi regime, reports the Times.

Officials reportedly identified candidates to succeed the Treasury minister over the weekend, before the public announcement made on Monday that Siddiq had referred herself to the prime minister's ethics watchdog, it adds.

Starmer has said he has full confidence in Siddiq, and a No 10 spokesman said it was "completely untrue" to suggest the party had drawn up a shortlist.

The Times has been told some of those close to the prime minister are at least informally considering who could succeed her.

Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministers' interests, amid questions about her use of several properties linked to the government of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladesh's prime minister following widespread protests in August, last year.

Financial-crime officials at Bangladesh's central bank have demanded bank-account details for Siddiq and seven of her family members, and the country's anti-corruption commission is investigating whether she helped embezzle billions of pounds in a deal for a Russian-funded nuclear-power plant.

Among the candidates who may be considered by No 10 are the two ministerial aides to Rachel Reeves, Alistair Strathern and Imogen Walker, reports The Times.

Others who could be considered for the role include Callum Anderson, a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to the technology secretary, as well as Kanishka Narayan, PPS to the environment secretary, Josh Simons, PPS to the justice secretary, and Rachel Blake, whose constituency covers the City.

Lucy Rigby, the attorney general, and Torsten Bell, an economist who is also a ministerial aide, may also be considered strong options.

Quoting a Labour source the report said Siddiq's referral "suggests that she's willing to fall on her sword" and that she was "on the way out".

Siddiq has come under increasing pressure after it was revealed she was given a £700,000 London flat by a supporter of her aunt's Awami League party and her sister received a £650,000 property from one of Hasina's advisers, according to the report.

A spokesman for the minister has said it was "categorically wrong" to suggest the properties were linked to her support for the Awami League.

In her referral to Magnus, Siddiq said: "I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters. I will obviously ensure you have all the information you need to do this."​

 

[Saif]

ACC continues investigation against Javed, Rukhmila owning 580 flats in 3 countries

Former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife Rukhmila Zaman have 580 apartments in the UK, the UAE and the USA. A team of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigation suspecting that the former lawmaker could have more illegal assets at home and abroad. Accordin

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

ACC continues investigation against Javed, Rukhmila owning 580 flats in 3 countries
BSS
Published :
Jan 10, 2025 22:28
Updated :
Jan 10, 2025 22:28

Former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife Rukhmila Zaman have 580 apartments in the UK, the UAE and the USA.

A team of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigation suspecting that the former lawmaker could have more illegal assets at home and abroad.

According to ACC sources, in response to the ACC's application the court ordered attachment and freeze of those assets and money, laundered abroad by Javed and prevent those from transferring to others.

It said the ACC has so far got information about 343 apartments in the United Kingdom (UK), 228 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and nine in the United States of America (USA).

The ACC has also been carrying out investigation for his more assets and sought information from other countries about their assets, the ACC source said.

The ACC has already received information of financial irregularities, including maintaining accounts in different countries, transferring money abroad without approval of Bangladesh Bank (BB), and concealment of asset information in the income tax documents.

The ACC’s preliminary investigation revealed this information against Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife Rukhmila Zaman.

Javed and his wife acquired these immovable assets by laundering money just in nine years from 2015 to 2024, the ACC source said.

According to the information of the Land Registry Department of concerned countries, the ACC received information about acquiring apartments and other assets in favour of Javed and his wife by laundering thousands of crores of taka.

“There was no prior approval from the BB for sending such a huge amount of money abroad. There was no information about acquiring assets abroad in his income tax documents,” the ACC said.

Apart from this, it is also being investigated whether there are any assets in the names of his other family members or close relatives and his wife.

“If any such assets are found, those will also be included in the ACC’s investigation,” the source added.

Earlier, the ACC applied to the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court in Dhaka to attach or freeze immovable and movable properties acquired in different countries in the names of Javed and his wife Rukhmila Zaman and investigate allegations of illegal wealth acquisition abroad.

The ACC also applied to the court seeking order to freeze accounts opened in the names of Saifuzzaman and Rukhmila or their institutions.

An officer of ACC investigation team told BSS on condition of anonymity, “We are getting information about corruption. We are hopeful that we will be able to unearth everything and bring them under the law.”

The ACC formed a three-member investigation team with ACC Deputy Director Ram Prasad Mandal as team leader to investigate immovable and movable properties owned by former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and his wife Rukhmila Zaman abroad.

Other members of the committee are ACC Assistant Director Md Mainuddin and Deputy Assistant Director Md Jewel Rana.

On October 14, 2024, the commission also approved permission to seek a court order to freeze immovable and movable assets acquired abroad by Saifuzzaman and Rukhmila.

In line with the ACC’s application, the court ordered the Ministry of Home Affairs to take necessary measures to inform the HM Land Registry Department of England and Wales of the UK, Dubai Land Department of the UAE, and the State Register of New York and Florida of the USA.

The court also directed the ACC investigation team to take necessary action regarding the four bank accounts opened in three branches in the UAE along with other accounts.

The court also directed the ACC team to inform the Money Laundering Department of BB, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit and concerned parties about matter.

The ACC found four bank accounts of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury in Dubai Islamic Bank and Fast Abu Dhabi Bank, Janata Bank, UAE branch and TD Bank in the USA.

According to information received by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), it was found that an account bearing no. 065580072906301) was opened in Dubai Islamic Bank on January 8, 2015.

Besides, two accounts were opened in Fast Abu Dhabi Bank (One account number is 1611003934358010), which was opened on January 31, 2017. Later, another account (No-1651003934358025) was opened in the same bank on August 24, 2017.

Another account bearing no-AE170319331001010002599 was opened with Janata Bank, UAE branch on August 3, 2023.

Besides, a beneficiary account (no-4372295810 named ZTS properties LLC) was opened in the American TD Bank. The account made transactions of US$ 200,206.72 in four months from April 2, 2021 to July 29, 2021. The dollars were transferred through Capital World Maritime Ltd account with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and another account with First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The information was found that US$ 50,910.18 was transferred to USA TD Bank from accounts of Capital World Maritime Ltd of HSBC and First Abu Dhabi Bank on July 29, 2021, while US$ 8960 was transferred from First Abu Dhabi Bank account on July 26, 2021.

In line with the transactions, US$ 34,650.87, US$5683.72 and US$48,851.95 were deposited to TD Bank from HSBC on July 1, April 2 and April 19, 2021 respectively.

The ACC also received information about 10 commercial establishments set up in the names of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and Rukhmila Zaman.

Of which, eight are in the name of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and two are in the name of his wife Rukhmila Zaman. The companies of Saifuzzaman are ZTS Properties Ltd. (License No. 10010608, dated 17-02-2016), Zeba Trading FZE (License No. 5011567, dated 18-02-2015), New Venture (London) Ltd. (License No. 07312257, dated 31-07-2010), Sadaqat Properties Ltd. (License No. 13525107, dated 22-07-2021), Zeba Properties Ltd. (License No. 13467172, dated 21-06-2021), Aramit Properties Ltd. (License No. 12589869, dated 06-05-2020), Zaria Properties Ltd.

(License No. 13467532, dated 21-07-2020) and ZTZ Property Ventures Ltd. (License No. 1270118, dated 30-07-2020). Rukhmila Zaman has two companies - Rukhmila Properties Ltd. (License No. 12089564, dated 06-07-2019) and RF Acquisitions Ltd. (License No. 15819589, dated 04-07-2024).

Former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and his wife Rukhmila Zaman have been accused of laundering money abroad and amassing huge illegal wealth abroad through money laundering during the Awami League regime.

Saifuzzaman Chowdhury is the son of Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, a Chattogram Awami League leader and a close political associate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, is also known as Javed in his family and constituency. Javed, a businessman, became known by focusing on business with his father and was elected as the leader of a business organization.

He also served as the president of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). In absence of his father, Javed was the chairman of United Commercial Bank (UCB). After demise of his father, his aunt Sheikh Hasina gave Javed party nomination for Anwara parliamentary constituency of Chattogram-14.

Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu, a long-time political associate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina used to address Akhtaruzzaman as ‘Babu Bhai’. So, Sheikh Hasina became Saifuzzaman’s aunt.

In the constituency, he put on Mujib coat and started party work as his father's legacy. Javed also won the election and became first State Minister for Land and later he also became MP in a farcical election and became land minister.

He became greedy for land after taking the charge of the land ministry. He became desperate for acquiring land and apartments in various lucrative places in the UK, the USA and the UAE.
After taking charge as the Minister of State for Land, Javed resigned from the post of chairman of UCB and his wife Rukhmila Zaman replaced her husband as the chairman of the bank.

The ACC's preliminary investigation, which was obtained by BSS, showed that there are 15 apartments in the Burj Khalifa in the UAE, a popular place in the world. Of these, eight are in the City Center Residence and seven were purchased and registered on June 22, 2022.

Forty-one apartments were found at Aldalus in the UAE, of which 33 were registered in January 2022. Thirty-one apartments are in the Pulu Residences - Building A2 at Nad Al Sabah, which were registered on February 8, 2022. Twenty apartments were located at Premium Residences at Jebel Ali area, of which 17 were registered on January 27, 2022.

He has 20 apartments in Peninsula and Urban Oasis of Gulf Commercial, 15 at Sunrise Legend and 228 properties in various important locations in the UAE, including Esmana Waves, Himalaya Tower and Meudon Views in Barsha South.

In the UK, 343 apartments were identified in various elite areas around the city of London. In the USA, there are nine apartments, of which eight are in New York and another in Florida.

Dr Qazi Akhtar Hamid, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, said Section 8 of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 2012 stated that a country can request another country to investigate a crime.

“If there is no bilateral agreement between the two countries, if a foreign country requests assistance in judicial and other proceedings and the crime is punishable under the law of that country, the best possible mutual cooperation will have to be provided in that matter,” he said.

Akhtar Hamid said section 9 of the said act stated that the central authorities of the countries with which Bangladesh has bilateral agreements can request it according to the Rules of Business.

“If there is no bilateral agreement, then this request can be made through diplomatic channels,” he added.

Regarding the return of assets acquired abroad and money laundered, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, said, “Money laundering is a problem all over the world. Money laundering is a criminal offense in the state structures of the whole world. Every country is against money laundering.”

He, however, said that there is no strong application of the law to discourage money laundering of one country with another internationally.

As a result, there is uncertainty in bringing back the laundered money, he added.

Barrister Kajal said, “If you request the countries with which the Bangladesh government has bilateral agreements, results can come. The solution of many problems depends on mutual trust and relations beyond the agreement. However, it will depend on the goodwill of the governments of both countries.”​

 

[Saif]

Money launderers spreading propaganda abroad: Shafiqul

The CA's press secretary said during the ousted Awami League era, the biggest looting in the world history took place in Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

Money launderers spreading propaganda abroad: Shafiqul

Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today said money launderers are still spreading propaganda abroad.

He said during the ousted Awami League era, the biggest looting in the world history took place in Bangladesh.

"Sheikh Hasina established a system of thievery in the country... Her job was to provide work orders to big companies in exchange of money," Alam alleged saying that those who laundered money abroad are now spreading propaganda spending the ill-gotten money.

Shafiqul made the remarks at a discussion titled, 'The Role of the Media in the July Revolution and Future Expectations", at Jagannath University in the capital.

The press secretary said through propaganda, they want to establish the narrative that a fundamentalist force has emerged here now and there was no mass uprising.

"The defeated force wants to turn you into militant again," he told the audience.

About the role of the media in the July revolution, he alleged that many media outlets portrayed the protesters as "enemies of the nation".

Using the language of the media, the message was being sent to the rulers that these protesters should be suppressed, Alam said.

"If the fascist forces had won, two lakh people would have gone to jail, and then the narrative would have been that some miscreants had created anarchy across the country," he added.

Noting that journalism is not just a profession but a responsibility too, Shafiqul said, "We will analyse better who played what role in the July Revolution."

He urged all to write down their experiences and observations to this end.

Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) Director General Faruk Wasif also spoke on the occasion.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus for probing UK properties linked to Tulip

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into Tulip Siddiq and her family’s properties in the United Kingdom, suggesting that those might have been purchased through illicit wealth linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, according to The Times.

www.thedailystar.net

Yunus for probing UK properties linked to Tulip
Salman F Rahman’s son, Shayan, linked to £1.2 million property bought by Tulip’s family

Photo: Collected

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for an investigation into Tulip Siddiq and her family's properties in the United Kingdom, suggesting that those might have been purchased through illicit wealth linked to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, according to The Times.

The report claims that several London properties were linked to offshore companies and businessmen named in the Panama Papers.

In a recent interview, the chief adviser emphasised that the properties connected to Tulip should be thoroughly examined. He said that if it is found that these assets were acquired through unlawful means, they should be returned to the people of Bangladesh.

"It's about plain robbery," he said, accusing the former regime, which was toppled in a mass uprising on August 5 last year, of embezzling funds through fraudulent practices.

According to reports published in UK media, the properties in question were bought by associates of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Times report links the family of Tulip, a British MP for Hampstead and Highgate and the UK's anti-corruption minister, to five London properties bought with the help of offshore companies.

These properties are not currently under formal investigation, but Yunus urged the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission to look into them as part of its ongoing inquiries into corruption and embezzlement under Hasina's regime.

According to The Times report, one of these properties was a Hampstead home bought by an offshore company named in the Panama Papers. This particular company was connected to two Bangladeshi businessmen with ties to the Awami League. Tulip, who has previously spoken out against the use of offshore trusts to evade financial transparency, now faces intense scrutiny over her family's dealings.

Tulip has denied any wrongdoing and described allegations against her as politically motivated.

The reports have triggered a storm in the UK, with opposition Conservative MPs calling for Tulip to resign. However, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has said he has full confidence in Tulip.

Tulip has referred herself to the UK prime minister's ethics watchdog. A Downing Street spokesman said it was "completely untrue" to suggest the party had drawn up a shortlist as reported by some media.

In his remarks, Yunus expressed disbelief at the situation, noting that it was an "irony" that Tulip Siddiq, an anti-corruption minister in the UK, had been linked to these controversial properties.

While Yunus did not call for Tulip's resignation, he emphasised that her defence of the properties raised serious ethical questions.

"Maybe you [Tulip] didn't realise it, but now you do. You should say: 'Sorry, I didn't know it [at] that time, I seek forgiveness from the people that I did this and I resign.' But she is not saying that. She's defending herself."

The scandal comes amid wider allegations of corruption surrounding Hasina's government.

Asked whether Tulip's properties should be investigated by the ACC, Yunus said, "Absolutely".

He added that the commission should look at the "whole thing".

He also said that, if feasible, the properties bought by AL allies outside the country using illegal wealth should be returned.

"That's the intention of the interim government. How to bring them back," he said.

One of the key figures involved in the property purchases related to Tulip is Shayan Rahman, the son of Salman F Rahman, a billionaire and former adviser to Hasina. Shayan Rahman used an offshore trust to buy a £1.2 million property in Golders Green, London, which was used by Sheikh Rehana, Tulip's mother.

Shayan is currently under investigation by the Bangladesh Criminal Investigation Department for laundering more than $80 million out of Bangladesh, with funds allegedly funnelled through Dubai.

Salman F Rahman was arrested after attempting to flee the country, and his son's whereabouts remain unknown.

Shayan Rahman is also known for his ties to the British Asian Trust, an anti-poverty charity founded by King Charles. He reportedly donated over £250,000 to the charity, and Charles publicly praised him for his support during a gala dinner at Buckingham Palace.

The National Crime Agency, the UK's equivalent of the FBI, has shown willingness to assist Bangladesh in recovering assets linked to illicit financial activities. In October 2024, NCA officers visited Dhaka to meet with local law enforcement, and they indicated that they could help freeze UK-based assets if requested.

Yunus expressed hope that the NCA, as well as other international law enforcement agencies, would continue to cooperate in tracking down and recovering stolen assets.

He stressed that the ongoing investigations must ensure that those responsible for embezzling Bangladesh's wealth are held accountable.

"We need to bring them to justice," Yunus declared.​

 

[Saif]

FBI finds Sajeeb’s link with 5 cos, 8 luxury cars

A Federal Bureau of Investigation probe has found that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed owns eight luxurious cars and he has involvement in five companies.

www.newagebd.net

FBI finds Sajeeb’s link with 5 cos, 8 luxury cars
Solamain Salman 13 January, 2025, 00:25

Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

A Federal Bureau of Investigation probe has found that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed owns eight luxurious cars and he has involvement in five companies.

The FBI probe has also found that Hasina and Sajeeb laundered $300 million (about Tk 3,600 crore) to the United States and the United Kingdom.

The US intelligence agency also claimed that they uncovered significant irregularities in the financial activities of Sajeeb.

Based on the FBI findings, the Anti-Corruption Commission in Bangladesh on December 22, 2024 initiated an inquiry into the allegation against Hasina and Sajeeb of laundering $300 million to the United States and the United Kingdom.

The FBI report was submitted to an assistant attorney general for the criminal division of the US Department of Justice on April 23, 2023. The commission also obtained a copy of the FBI report, said ACC officials concerned.

The FBI found eight luxurious vehicles owned by Sajeeb –– 2018 Mclaren 720S worth $2,50,578, 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT worth $1,09,806, 2015 Mercedes-benz S-class worth $51,008, 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sl-class worth $73,570, 2015 Lexus GX 460 worth $30,182, 2016 Land Rover Range Rover worth $37,586, 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee worth $ 7,491 and 2001 Grand Cherokee worth $ 4,477.

According to the FBI report, the US intelligence agency discovered bank accounts of Sajeeb in Hong Kong and Cayman Island and found suspicious money transfers to Washington DC, New York and London through a local money exchange company.

The FBI has contacted its counterpart in the United Kingdom to look into Sajeeb’s suspicious activates, said the report saying that these findings raised serious concerns about potential illicit activities and necessitated further examination.

The FBI report said that special agent La Prevotte was contacted by US Department of Justice senior trial attorney Linda Samuels who requested the assistance of Washington Field with a case involving $300 millions stolen from Bangladesh and laundered through and into bank accounts in the United States.

Noting that Hasina and Sajeeb laundered money to the United States and Cayman Island, the report stated that Department of Justice asset forfeiture or money laundering section requested the assistance of Washington Field to trace, restrain, seize and forfeit these funds.

‘Our investigation also revealed suspicious activity under the name Wazed Consulting Inc. Mr Wazed has acquired properties worth millions of dollars with cash. Wazed Consultant engaged in numerous business dealing with Bangladesh government and taking consulting for Bangbandhu-1 satellite project.’ it said.

These financial transactions warrant careful scrutiny and investigation to determine their legality and ensure accountability, said the report.

The FBI also said that they contacted the ACC to cooperate in verifying bank account information and swift code validation, and to address any potential illegal activities.

It also said that the probe found Sajeeb’s wife Kristine O Wazed with suspicious bank activities that took place in Massachusetts and Virginia.

The FBI also said that its confidential informant gave two names of Sajeeb associates –– US unit Awami League president Siddiqur Rahman and its senior joint secretary Nizam Chowdhury.

The FBI also found Sajeeb’s involvement in five companies, including Wazed Consulting Inc, Ecom Systems Inc, Mvion Inc, and Intelligent Trade Systems Ltd.

After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising, the ACC started probes into allegations of corruption against Hasina, her son Sajeeb and other family members.

An inquiry team of the commission led by its deputy director Md Salauddin started the inquiry and already sent letters to different government agencies seeking necessary information.

A member of the team told New Age on Monday that they sent letters to different offices, including the secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, passport office and the Election Commission, seeking information.

Noting that they have already got information from different sources at home and abroad over the money laundering, he also said that the passport office and the Election Commission gave them some information, but the rest of the offices werre yet to respond to the letter.

Sajeeb, however, on his verified Facebook page, claimed that the corruption allegations made against him and his family members were completely bogus.

‘We have never been involved in or made money from any government projects,’ he said.

‘Obviously we have bank accounts in these two countries. We have no offshore accounts. None of us has ever seen the amounts of money that are being claimed,’ he added.

Earlier, the commission on December 17 started another inquiry into Tk 80,000 crore corruption allegations against Hasina, Sajeeb, Hasina’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana’s daughter and British minister Tulip Siddiq.

The alleged corruption involving Tk 80,000 crore occurred in nine projects, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the Special Ashrayan Project, during the Awami League government between 2009 and 2023, according to the allegations.​