ACC seeks info from 11 countries in probe against ex-BFIU chief Masud Biswas

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought information from 11 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Malaysia, and Singapore, regarding the assets of Masud Biswas, a former head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).

Additionally, the ACC has sent a letter to the Additional Inspector General of Police (Immigration), Special Branch, requesting that measures be taken to prevent Mr Biswas from leaving the country.

The letters, signed by Gulshan Anwar Pradhan, deputy director and inquiry officer of the ACC, were issued from the anti-graft body’s headquarters on Thursday.

ACC’s Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam confirmed the development to The Financial Express.

The letter outlines allegations against Mr Biswas, including abuse of power, accepting bribes, and accumulating illicit wealth worth millions through various corrupt practices.

On Sept 25, the ACC officially launched an investigation into Mr Biswas following the initial findings of misconduct by its intelligence unit. The investigation revealed that instead of preventing money laundering, Mr Biswas allegedly facilitated it and engaged in extensive bribery schemes. His tenure coincided with several major financial scandals, including the Hallmark and Bismillah cases, which involved the laundering of over Tk 920 billion. His role during these cases raises significant concerns, as he reportedly took a passive stance.

Mr Biswas is also accused of receiving funds from various organisations during foreign trips to cover up financial scandals involving Market Systems and Nagad, among others.

These accusations paint a picture of widespread corruption during his tenure as the head of the BFIU, and the ACC is actively seeking to hold him accountable through its ongoing investigation.

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