All legal channels to be pursued in hunt for laundered money: ACC Commissioner

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) will utilise all legal means to recover laundered money and bring perpetrators to justice, ACC Commissioner Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi said on Wednesday, likening money launderers to “devils” who cause widespread suffering.

“There will be no compromise on this matter. Many cases are already in court, so I cannot comment on those specifically. But if we can catch them in any way, we will not spare them,” Commissioner Azizi said while talking to reporters outside the ACC headquarters in the capital.

The Commissioner slammed those involved in money laundering, accusing them of using the informal hundi system to send illegally acquired money abroad before repatriating it as remittance, reports UNB.

“Those who are corrupt send money abroad through hundi and later bring it back into the country, pretending to be remittance heroes. There is no manual on how to deal with this kind of deceit,” he said.

He went on to draw a metaphor, saying, “Money launderers are like devils. Devils run through veins and arteries; they cannot be seen. People suffer because of their acts, and we are suffering because of the launderers.”

In response to questions about the ACC’s investigations involving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Azizi clarified that those cases had not reached his desk. “The charge-sheeted cases were processed long ago,” he said.

When asked about British MP Tulip Siddiq, the Commissioner said a notice had been sent to her designated address. “Why should we contact her directly? A notice has already been issued. I do not know whether it has been received, but the ACC will now submit the matter to the court for trial,” he explained.

Azizi emphasised that the ACC is coordinating closely with the state and international agencies in its efforts to combat money laundering. “It is not possible for the ACC alone to recover the money. Many international organisations are involved. We are in contact with various agencies,” he said.

“The entire state is now against wrongdoing and has zero tolerance for corruption. As a state institution, we are fully aligned with this stance,” he asserted.

Regarding past high-profile cases, the Commissioner said, “You have seen cases from the previous government and the 1/11 period—none of those under trial have been dismissed arbitrarily. The trials are ongoing. If the court finds the charges unproven, that is the court’s prerogative.”

About corruption within the ACC itself, Azizi maintained a firm stance. “If the Commission even smells corruption among our officers, there will be no leniency. We are not sparing anyone. Disciplinary action is being taken, and justice is being ensured.”

He also mentioned efforts to restructure the institution, stating that capable officers from rural postings are being brought to the headquarters, while underperforming officials are being transferred to field-level roles.

“We are expanding surveillance and taking measures to hold our own staff accountable,” he added.