The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has broadened its investigation into allegations of money laundering involving Tulip Siddiq, a Member of Parliament from the UK’s ruling Labour Party and former treasury minister, alongside members of her family.
According to the ACC, the inquiry is currently being pursued across at least 12 countries.
The investigation also encompasses allegations against Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family, scrutinising claims of large-scale embezzlement of public funds, some of which were allegedly used to acquire properties abroad.
A report published on Sunday (9 February), by The Times of the United Kingdom, shed light on the investigation’s international scope. Tulip Siddiq is the daughter of Sheikh Rehana, the sister of Sheikh Hasina.
When approached for comment on the progress of the inquiry, an ACC spokesperson informed The Times, "Our preliminary report indicates that funds were laundered not only to the UK but to several other countries. Our team has dispatched mutual legal assistance requests to various jurisdictions to collect relevant information and evidence."
The spokesperson added that requests for information have been sent to between 10 and 12 countries as part of the probe into Sheikh Hasina and her family.
"Our teams are actively working to recover the laundered funds with assurances of cooperation from the UK, the European Union, and other countries."
The ACC representative further noted that upon conclusion of the investigation, the Bangladesh government may initiate proceedings to repatriate Tulip Siddiq for legal action.
Meanwhile, officials from the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) visited Dhaka towards the end of January to assist the ACC with its ongoing investigation.
Tulip Siddiq, known for her close association with Labour leader and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has been named in three ACC investigations. These include allegations of profiting from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, influencing her aunt Sheikh Hasina to allocate land for family members, and involvement in money laundering activities.
Seizure of Illicit Assets in the UK
The ACC is also working towards seizing Tulip Siddiq’s alleged illicit assets in the UK as part of its investigation.
A report published in The Telegraph on Sunday confirmed ongoing efforts to confiscate properties linked to her.
Tulip Siddiq faces allegations of embezzling £4 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.
Additionally, media reports have surfaced about her receiving multiple properties as gifts from individuals affiliated with the Awami League.
An ACC official told The Telegraph that there has been significant progress in the investigation.
"We are gathering detailed information regarding Tulip Siddiq's assets and financial holdings in the UK and are prepared to seize them if necessary," the official stated.
Akhtar Hossain, director general of the ACC, said, "We are in communication with the relevant authorities in the UK and other countries, following necessary legal procedures to facilitate the seizure of Tulip Siddiq's illicit assets."
Bangladesh’s interim government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is actively pursuing efforts to recover national assets. The investigation into Tulip Siddiq is part of this broader anti-corruption drive, he noted.
The ACC remains optimistic that, with international cooperation, it will successfully recover Siddiq's illicit assets and uphold the rightful claims of the Bangladeshi people.
