The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has pledged to seize funds allegedly laundered to the United Kingdom by Tulip Siddiq, whom officials claim benefited from a global money laundering network tied to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina’s, former regime.
ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain said the commission is liaising with multiple countries to repatriate what it describes as illicit wealth siphoned off during Hasina’s tenure as Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, reports UK-based newspaper The Telegraph.
Tulip Siddiq, who recently resigned as the UK’s city minister, remains under investigation over her property dealings and alleged connections to her aunt’s autocratic rule.
Her resignation followed an inquiry by Sir Laurie Magnus, the UK PM’s ethics adviser, which found she had inadvertently misled the public regarding a London flat gifted by an individual linked to the Awami League, the party once led by Hasina.
Tulip Siddiq had referred herself for investigation after enduring weeks of scrutiny over her use of properties associated with her family’s political network.
Sheikh Hasina, 77, was ousted from power in August following a violent crackdown on protests that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,500 people.
Her administration faced longstanding allegations of political repression, including attacks on opposition figures, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings. Currently in India, Hasina is the subject of multiple ACC investigations, some of which implicate Siddiq.
Among the most severe allegations is the purported embezzlement of £4 billion from a nuclear power plant deal with Russia, with both Hasina and Siddiq named in the probe.
The ACC’s investigation has since expanded to include 12 countries, with formal information requests submitted to foreign jurisdictions.
“Our teams are working to recover funds siphoned abroad, with assurances of cooperation from the UK, the European Union, and other nations,” an ACC spokesperson stated.
In January, officers from Britain’s National Crime Agency spent several days in Dhaka assisting with the investigation.
ACC chief confirmed that the anti-graft agency continues to examine Tulip Siddiq’s alleged involvement, having requested a comprehensive report from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.
“We are gathering evidence from foreign sources, including the UK. Initial findings suggest the laundered funds were transferred not only to the UK but to multiple international destinations,” he said.
Efforts are underway to issue mutual legal assistance requests through official channels.
“Upon receiving the necessary support from overseas, our team will determine the appropriate course of action,” he added.
ACC’s inquiries have been bolstered by the National Crime Agency’s investigative support, with officials from Bangladesh travelling to London in October for further coordination.
Akhtar Hossain indicated that legal proceedings would be pursued to recover the alleged laundered assets.
“Law enforcement agencies from several countries, including the UK and EU member states, have pledged their support in repatriating these funds. Multiple high-level meetings have already taken place, and our investigation team is actively engaged in the legal recovery process,” he said.
A spokesperson for Tulip Siddiq refuted the allegations, stating: “No evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted by any investigative authority regarding this matter and categorically denies all allegations.”
