Dhaka: The Financial Crime Unit (FCU) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case on charges of defrauding and extorting Tk 15 crore in the name of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The case was registered under Section 4(2)(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, with Motalles Hossain and two to three other unidentified individuals accused in the case. Special Superintendent of Police (Media), CID, Dhaka, Jasim Uddin Khan, confirmed the matter to the media.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CID’s investigation has uncovered that Motalles Hossain has been engaging in fraudulent activities, deceiving various individuals and businessmen by impersonating Khaleda Zia’s liaison officer. Evidence of transactions totaling approximately Tk 20 crore was discovered in a bank account registered in his name.
Further investigation has disclosed that Motalles Hossain’s company, ML Trading, is non-existent despite having a trade license from Dhaka North City Corporation. No import-export activities were identified during the investigation. CID sources revealed that Hossain established connections with influential circles by portraying himself as a garment owner, tea garden entrepreneur, or contractor.
Hossain reportedly collected around Tk 15 crore into his personal bank account by misleading BNP party officials about Begum Khaleda Zia’s health condition and subsequently embezzled the money. Currently, the court has frozen over Tk 5.3 crore in his various bank accounts.
The CID is continuing its investigation and is working diligently to identify and apprehend others involved in the fraud scheme.