ACC probes Tk 20bn money laundering by ex-diplomat Saida Muna

Ex-diplomat Saida Muna

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday launched an investigation against former Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, and her husband, Towhidul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of Generation Next Fashions Ltd, over allegations of laundering nearly Tk 2,000 crore abroad.

ACC Chairman Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah disclosed the development at a press briefing on Monday.

According to the ACC, the couple allegedly embezzled and laundered the funds using 12 fake companies through various financial institutions.

Banks and non-bank financial institutions involved in disbursing loans to these entities include United Commercial Bank (UCB), Bank Asia, Eastern Bank Ltd (EBL), The City Bank, BRAC Bank, National Bank Ltd (NBL), Trust Bank, Southeast Bank, and AB Bank.

The ACC said preliminary evidence suggests large-scale financial irregularities, and further inquiries are underway to identify the full extent of the money trail and possible foreign assets. - UNB