International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said on Thursday that substantial financial investments have been made to disrupt the ongoing trial concerning the mass killings and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement.

“We have received specific information about a large sum of money being invested by the fallen government to derail the ongoing trial regarding the mass killings committed during the July-August period. At the same time, the individuals behind the scenes have been identified,” Tajul said in a statement to the media.

He, however, did not provide further details regarding the nature or source of the investments.

The tribunal, established to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in 1971, is currently handling cases related to mass killings and other crimes against humanity that occurred during the July-August period.

Since the political shift on August 5, 23 cases have been filed. An arrest warrant has been issued for 141 individuals, including the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Among the accused, 72 are politicians, judges, and civil servants, while 62 are police officers, and 9 are retired or dismissed military officers. Nearly 300 allegations have been submitted to the tribunal to date.

Despite the increasing number of cases, opposition to the tribunal has intensified, with numerous attempts to disrupt the trial, said Tajul.

The official trial for the July-August mass killings is expected to begin later this month. Meanwhile, the investigation into the case involving the six bodies burned after being killed in Ashulia has been completed.