‘ACC may seek foreign assistance over money-laundering claims’

ACC Secretary Md Saidur Rahman Khan on Tuesday said the commission may seek information from foreign authorities to verify allegations of money laundering against former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.

He said the ACC had moved to the next stage of its inquiry based on information gathered so far, while the inquiry itself was still ongoing.

“Based on the information obtained during the inquiry, we have moved to the next stage. The inquiry is ongoing. We will conduct our activities based on what emerges from the investigation. There is no scope here to act according to our own wishes,” he told journalists.

Asked whether the ACC would seek information from other countries if the money-laundering allegations involved transactions abroad, Saidur said, “If there is a need to send an MLAR (Mutual Legal Assistance Request) abroad under the law, we will certainly do so.”

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He said the commission would verify the allegations and take further action if it found substance in them.
“If, after verifying the truth, we find substance in the allegations, we will proceed to the next stage,” he said.

Asked about criticism and discussions on social media over the allegations against Asif Mahmud, the ACC secretary said, “Many things are being said. Keep an eye on what we are doing and judge for yourselves. You will understand whether the allegations are fabricated or whether we are acting with any ulterior motive.”

He said the commission would determine its subsequent course of action based on the findings of the inquiry and investigation.

The ACC is currently investigating allegations of corruption, bribery, tender manipulation and money laundering against Asif Mahmud.

Asif Mahmud has rejected the allegations, describing the proceedings as a “media trial” and “character assassination”.