Dhaka, Apr 24 (V7N)- Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Mian Ali Akbar Azizi has strongly condemned the misuse of remittance channels by money launderers, accusing them of abusing government incentives and posing as remittance contributors while actually exploiting illegal routes to siphon wealth out of the country.

“Money launderers are like the devil—they move unseen, infecting the system and causing suffering,” Azizi said during a press briefing on Tuesday. He alleged that these individuals smuggle money abroad through hundis, later reinject the funds into the country disguised as remittances, and then collect government incentives meant for genuine expatriate workers.

According to information obtained by the ACC, 459 Bangladeshis have illegally amassed assets in Dubai, involving 972 properties purchased via Swiss and other foreign banks—often taking advantage of golden visa programs. The commission is also investigating similar cases in the US, UK, and Canada.

A letter has been sent to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) requesting income tax records and related data for individuals identified in the investigation. The list reportedly includes former ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and political activists from the previous regime.

Citing the White Paper Commission’s report, Azizi revealed that an estimated $234 billion (approximately 30 lakh crore BDT) was laundered out of Bangladesh during the Awami League government’s tenure from 2009 to 2023. That translates to an average of 2 lakh crore BDT illegally funneled abroad each year.

Despite the staggering volume of laundered money, recovery efforts have seen minimal success. Azizi admitted that bringing the money back is extremely difficult, requiring international coordination and cooperation.

Warning of zero tolerance, the ACC Commissioner said, “We will not spare anyone involved in money laundering. These so-called remittance warriors are economic criminals.”

He also addressed corruption allegations within the ACC, pledging stern action against any officials found guilty. “We’re reshuffling teams, bringing the best officers to the headquarters and sending lax ones to field offices,” he added.

Commissioner Azizi addressed queries about UK MP Tulip Siddique, stating that a notice has already been sent to her official address. "Whether she responds or not, the trial will proceed in court," he said.

The ACC has also sought information from the Securities and Exchange Commission and other agencies on allegations of money laundering and a share scam involving cricketer and former MP Shakib Al Hasan.

In a related development, the ACC today filed a case against former State Minister for Civil Aviation Mahbub Ali and his wife for amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 9.5 crore.

Azizi affirmed that the ACC task force is actively collaborating with international agencies and is in constant communication with the Chief Advisor to strengthen efforts to recover and repatriate stolen assets.

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