National Crime Agency Freezes Properties of Sheikh Hasina Allies in Wide Investigation – Guido Fawkes

National Crime Agency Freezes Properties of Sheikh Hasina Allies in Wide Investigation

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The National Crime Agency last night confirmed that it had frozen two London properties owned by the son of Salman Rahman – a close ally of ousted Bangladeshi dictator Sheikh Hasina – “as part of an ongoing civil investigation.” A spokesperson for Rahman denies “any involvement in any alleged wrongdoing in the strongest possible terms”…

The Financial Times also reports:

“Sheikh Rehana, the sister of Sheikh Hasina and mother of former UK City minister Tulip Siddiq, has lived at the Gresham Gardens property, according to UK electoral roll records, though it is not clear whether she still resides there.”

Salman and Ahmed are suspects in embezzlement investigations by the Bangladeshi Anti-Corruption Commission. This step by the NCA is significant as it is the first move to freeze assets owned by Hasina allies in London, which are allegedly worth many billions of pounds…

According to press reports National Crime Agency staff travelled to Dhaka for a secret meeting with the Bangladeshi ACC’s investigators this year. According to those reports they agreed to assist authorities in their investigations, including into allegations relating to Tulip Siddiq. The ACC has lodged charges against Siddiq in Dhaka. For her part, she strenuously denies any and all wrongdoing, as have her lawyers. Its chairman said last month:

“If we cannot get her using regular methods… or if she becomes a fugitive, then we will definitely designate her absconding. In that case, the government of that country will be informed by issuing a red notice through Interpol.”

This is not the only assistance the UK government is providing to Yunus’ interim Bangladesh government. UK and Bangladeshi authorities are working together to probe the scandals surrounding Hasina…