Dhaka, Sept 8 (UNB) – The Financial Crime Unit of CID filed a money laundering case on Sunday against a man accused of defrauding people and extorting large sums of money using the name of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
The case was filed at Pallabi Police Station under section 4(2)(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (case number: 19).
Investigation revealed that Motalles Hossain posed as Khaleda Zia’s liaison officer and collected crores of takas from various individuals and businessmen over a long period.
Evidence shows nearly Tk 20 crore in transactions through his bank accounts.
CID found that his company, ML Trading, was essentially non-existent.
Although it had a trade license from Dhaka North City Corporation, investigators found no business, contracting, or import-export activity under the company.
Motallesh Hossain allegedly presented himself as a garment owner, tea estate entrepreneur or contractor to build connections with influential people.
He then told party officials about Khaleda Zia’s ill health and collected about Tk 15 crore in his personal bank accounts, which he embezzled.
Remaining, Tk 5.03 crore in his accounts was frozen by court order.
Motallesh Hossain and two to three unidentified persons were named as accused.
CID said the investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest others involved in the fraud.
Jasim Uddin Khan, Special Superintendent of Police (Media), confirmed the information.