UK’s National Crime Agency assisting Bangladesh in Tulip Siddiq corruption probe

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) is supporting investigators in Bangladesh as they probe corruption allegations against Tulip Siddiq, according to The Telegraph.

Some UK officers travelled to Dhaka to assist local authorities investigating claims that Tulip, a former Treasury official, benefitted from a disputed nuclear power plant deal. She is accused of using her aunt Sheikh Hasina’s influence who was the then prime minister of Bangladesh.

Last month, Siddiq stepped down from her leadership role in the Labour Party after an ethics adviser found that she had accidentally provided false information about the scandal. Siddiq, whose role as Treasury minister included combatting corruption, had referred herself after questions arose regarding her use of properties in London linked to her aunt’s political party.

The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating Siddiq, Hasina, and other family members for alleged embezzlement of £3.9 billion connected to a Russian-funded nuclear power plant.

British police involvement in the probe emerged after the NCA visited in October last year to help the Bangladeshi government recover billions allegedly siphoned off by Hasina and her allies.

Officers have reportedly offered to assist in hopes of “bringing about a prosecution” in Bangladesh.

Sources told The Mail on Sunday that the meeting raises the possibility of evidence being gathered against Siddiq for a potential criminal case in the UK. During meetings, the NCA team asked questions about Siddiq specifically. Siddiq denies any wrongdoing.

The NCA, responsible for investigating international bribery and corruption linked to the UK, can look into individuals suspected of money laundering in the UK from political corruption abroad and allegations of bribery and corruption against UK nationals.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, is now in India after being ousted last August following violent protests. During her tenure, opponents faced attacks, arrests, and extrajudicial killings. She and her allies are accused of looting billions from the country.

Since her fall, Bangladesh’s anti-money laundering agency has requested information on Siddiq’s accounts and transactions in the country from major banks. An official notice has also requested the financial records of Siddiq and six family members, including her mother, sister, and brother.

A spokesman for Siddiq said, “Absolutely no evidence has been presented for these allegations. Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted on these matters and totally refutes the claims.”

An NCA spokesman stated, “We do not routinely comment on the nature of international assistance, nor confirm or deny if the agency has opened an investigation or is supporting a partner’s investigation.”

A senior anti-corruption commission official told The Telegraph, “The investigation into Tulip Siddiq is still at a preliminary stage, but we are actively examining multiple angles. Our focus is on uncovering any links between her and the acquisition of properties through illicit means in Bangladesh, her associations with corrupt businessmen, and potential connections to money laundered out of Bangladesh.”

Ahsan Mansur, governor of the central bank of Bangladesh, said, “We greatly appreciate the support of the British Government and international investigative agencies in our efforts to trace the billions of dollars laundered from Bangladesh to the UK and beyond.”

“Recovering these funds is a top priority for us, and we are counting on global cooperation to bring this money back where it belongs. We have already begun reaching out to various governments and global agencies to tackle this issue head-on.”

“The UK has been cooperating with us in this effort, and our next step is to identify the properties and bank accounts where the laundered money has been stashed across different countries, including the United Kingdom. We are committed to taking decisive action to reclaim these funds and hold those responsible to account.”