UK Crime Agency Freezes Assets of Disgraced Sheikh Hasina Ally

The UK’s NCA has frozen the assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a former Bangladeshi land minister and ally of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina, amid corruption and money laundering investigations. Chowdhury’s properties, including a £11 million home in London, are under scrutiny following legal requests from Bangladesh authorities. Al Jazeera’s investigation reveals Chowdhury’s significant overseas wealth and potential tax evasion, highlighting deeper political issues linked to Hasina’s administration.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken significant action by freezing the assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, a former land minister from Bangladesh and a close ally of the controversial ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This move follows legal requests from Bangladeshi authorities, who are investigating Chowdhury for potential money laundering activities. The developments, first reported by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, highlight concerns over corruption linked to Chowdhury and his political connections.

Chowdhury’s assets in the UK, including luxury properties, cannot be sold while the NCA conducts its ongoing investigation. “We can confirm that the NCA has secured freezing orders against a number of properties as part of an ongoing civil investigation,” a spokesperson for the agency said, confirming the asset freeze. This action aligns with the current political climate as Bangladesh’s interim leader, Professor Muhammad Yunus, is currently visiting London, making the situation all the more critical.

In a previous investigation, Al Jazeera reported that Chowdhury, aged 56, owns over 350 properties across the UK. Among those assets affected by the freezing order is his lavish residence in St John’s Wood, London, purchased for £11 million (approximately $14.8 million). This property was notably featured in a recent investigation where undercover reporters captured Chowdhury discussing his considerable wealth and lifestyle while he was still serving as a minister.

During his interactions with the Al Jazeera reporters, Chowdhury boasted about his extensive property portfolio and even shared insights into his high-fashion tastes, revealing a preference for designer suits and “baby croc” shoes. Furthermore, he expressed his close relationship with Hasina, stating, “I am like her son, actually,” which raised additional ethical questions given the ongoing investigations in Bangladesh.

Investigators previously uncovered that Chowdhury amassed a large fortune exceeding $500 million, notably in high-value real estate across London, Dubai, and New York, which he did not declare on his tax forms back home in Bangladesh. He allegedly circumvented currency laws restricting the amount a citizen can take out of the country, which is set at about $12,000 annually.

Chowdhury was part of Hasina’s powerful inner circle until her departure in August 2024 amid widespread protests that turned deadly due to security force interventions. Since her exit, allegations of systemic corruption within her administration have surfaced, spawning official inquiries, including the one targeting Chowdhury. Even after fleeing Bangladesh, Chowdhury was traceable to his residence in a posh London neighborhood, often seen enjoying the area near Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Chowdhury has remained defiant against the allegations, claiming his foreign investments stem from legitimate business ventures. He also suggested that the actions taken against him are politically motivated, referring to himself as a victim in a “witch-hunt.” The unfolding of this story is closely watched by both Bangladeshi and UK authorities as it raises significant questions regarding corruption and power abuse in politics.

In summary, the NCA’s freeze on Saifuzzaman Chowdhury’s assets underlines serious investigations into allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to his political ties with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The findings from Al Jazeera’s I-Unit reveal troubling details about Chowdhury’s wealth and likely financial misconduct. With Bangladesh pursuing accountability for corrupt activities, this case has now taken an international turn, reflecting wider implications in both countries.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com