ACC's target is searching illegal wealth

M A Rahman Masum: The target of Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is searching the illegal wealth of Bangladeshis who were named in 'Panama' and 'Paradise papers'.

ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmud opined that those who are named in Panama and Paradise papers are businessmen or civil persons. So, the money laundering case in this regard is out of jurisdiction of ACC, according to Money Laundering Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015.

However, if ACC gets any data-information regarding money laundering during its investigation, the organization will send the information to FIU of Bangladesh Bank, CID or National Board of Revenue.

Iqbal Mahmud told risingbd.com ACC can only start investigation if any government officials or officers get involve with money laundering. But, ACC will investigate against them who were named in 'Panama' and 'Paradise papers'. And the investigation documents will be sent to Bangladesh Bank's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), CID or NBR for action.

In 2016, Washington based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) published some papers named 'Panama Papers'. Some 34 Bangladeshis and an organization were named in the list.

Besides, a total of ten Bangladeshis including BNP Chairperson's adviser Abdul Awal Mintoo have been named in the Paradise Papers.

A top official of ACC told risingbd.com that a special team of ACC is working in this regard. Notices against 15 concerned people have been sent already after interrogating them.


risingbd/Dhaka/Feb 21, 2018/M A Rahman/Nasim