2 current MPs, 2 family members sued for money laundering

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Lakshmipur-2 lawmaker Mohammad Shahid Islam Papul, his wife reserved-seat lawmaker Selina Islam, his sister-in-law Jesmin Pradhan and their daughter Wafa Islam on allegation of money laundering.

ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin filed the case with Integrated Dhaka Office-1 on Wednesday morning.

ACC brought charges of laundering Tk148 crore and transferring the money illegally against them. 

The anti-graft commission has found Tk151 crore in movable and immovable assets in the country in Papul's name - Tk90 crore in movable assets worth, and Tk61 crore in immovable assets. However, not a single valid source could be traced for these assets. According to intelligence received by the ACC, Papul acquired these assets through a number of nefarious means, including human trafficking.

Besides, Jesmin founded an organisation named "Leelabali" that only exists on paper. Between June 2012 to 6 June this year, Tk148.41 crore has been deposited in her personal or company accounts. The amount was subsequently withdrawn in cash from these accounts, after which the money disappeared without a trace.

Papul was arrested in Kuwait on 6 June this year on charges of human trafficking and money laundering. He later admitted to being engaged in these activities, and also acknowledged involvement in illegal visa trading and bribery of Kuwaiti officials, reported the country's media.

Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti court began the trial of MP Papul and other accused on 17 September, after rejecting his plea for release in the case, which charged him with human trafficking, money laundering, bribery and threatening state security.

On 17 June, the Anti-Corruption Commission imposed travel ban on Selina Islam, Wafa Islam and Jasmin Akhter.