ACC seeks Asif Mahmud, wife’s financial details from BFIU

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has asked the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) for information on the bank accounts, assets and domestic and overseas transactions of former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and his wife.

In a letter signed by ACC headquarters Deputy Director and investigation officer Md Zahed Kalam, the commission sought details of the couple’s active, dormant and closed accounts at banks and non-bank financial institutions, ACC officials confirmed today (17 September).

The requested information includes debit and credit cards, bank lockers, bonds, savings certificates, fixed deposits (FDRs), deposit pension schemes (DPSs) and loan-related documents.

The ACC also asked the BFIU to check its domestic and overseas transactions, including any records related to land purchases, money laundering or the formation of shell companies in Portugal, Australia, Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland.

It also sought information on whether Asif Mahmud or his wife have bank accounts, investments or assets in those five countries, or whether they carried out transactions through foreign-linked entities.

The ACC said it is investigating allegations of abuse of power, acquisition of illegal assets and transfer of money abroad against Asif Mahmud, which have yet to be established.

Earlier this month, the ACC announced an investigation into allegations of corruption and irregularities against him and later sought documents on appointments, promotions and transfers during his tenure.

On Tuesday (15 September), ACC Md Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan said the commission could seek information from the relevant countries, if necessary, to verify allegations of money laundering abroad.

Meanwhile, on Monday (14 September), the ACC said it was not targeting anyone in the investigation and that the probe was being conducted according to its pending list.