Anti-corruption officials in Bangladesh have launched a bid to repatriate money they claim was siphoned off by its former regime, led by the aunt of MP Tulip Siddiq.
The country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed it is liaising with ‘multiple countries’ – believed to be between ten and 12 – over investigations into the family of former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
It is investigating if billions of pounds were spent buying properties overseas, with Ms Siddiq, who resigned as a Treasury minister last month, facing questions over her property affairs and links to her aunt’s regime.
Ms Hasina was deposed as Bangladesh’s prime minister in August amid allegations of corruption and brutality.Â
Ms Siddiq was allegedly involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which billions are said to have been embezzled.
She has also been named in a second investigation into the illegal allocation of land to members of her family during her time as an MP.
A spokesman for the ACC said investigators were looking into allegations of money laundering extending beyond the UK and were actively seeking assistance.Â
Tulip Siddiq MP (left) with her aunt, former prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina with Vladimir Putin. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating if billions of pounds were spent buying property overseas under Hasina
A spokesman said that Bangladesh could seek to extradite Ms Siddiq (pictured) once the inquiry has concluded
‘We have seen from initial reports that money has been laundered not only in the UK but also in other countries,’ he said.Â
‘Our team has been sending mutual legal assistance requests for collecting informal information as well as for collecting evidence from overseas.
‘Our teams are working to recover funds that were siphoned off [abroad]. We are assured of assistance from the UK, the European Union and other countries.’
He also said Bangladesh could seek to extradite Ms Siddiq once inquiries conclude.
A spokesman for Ms Siddiq said: ‘No evidence has been presented for these allegations. Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted by anyone on the matter and totally denies the claims.’
