Dhaka: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has officially filed a case against Chowdhury Nafis Sarafat, former chairman of Padma Bank, along with three other associates, on charges of laundering Taka 1,613 crore. This significant development was confirmed by a press release from CID, which stated that the financial crime unit lodged the case with Gulshan Police Station.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CID revealed that Nafis Sarafat and his associate, Dr. Hasan Taher Imam, obtained a license for an asset management company, Race Management PCL, in 2008. By 2013, the company had gained control over 10 termed mutual funds, which Nafis Sarafat allegedly exploited for personal gain. CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan mentioned that Sarafat, his wife Anjuman Ara Shaheed, and Dr. Hasan Taher Imam invested the company's funds to purchase shares in the then Farmers Bank (now Padma Bank) to secure a directorial position.
Further investigations by CID unearthed that Nafis Sarafat used these funds to acquire a brokerage house, Multi Securities, subsequently embezzling the money through fraudulent means. Additionally, he leveraged Padma Bank's funds to purchase Padma Bank Securities and Strategic Equity (Reg-2007), a security house owned by his close associates.
The CID further disclosed that the accused acquired plots from RAJUK and established various institutions and universities as a means to facilitate money laundering activities abroad. Allegations have also surfaced on social media and various media outlets, accusing Nafis Sarafat and his associates of corruption, including pressuring investments of Taka 5 billion under the bond of Best Holdings and purchasing multiple properties.
The CID's financial crime unit discovered that 78 accounts were linked to Chowdhury Nafis Sarafat, his family, and business associates, with deposits totaling approximately Taka 1,809.75 crore, of which about Taka 1,805.58 crore was withdrawn. Among 21 active accounts, a mere Taka 29.21 lakh remains as balance. Investigations also revealed the operation of 76 accounts in various international banks under the name of Sarafat's son, Rahib Safwan Sarafat Chowdhury.
Moreover, CID found that Chowdhury Nafis Sarafat owns a three-room flat and a five-room villa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These findings underscore the extensive financial maneuverings and alleged money laundering activities conducted by Sarafat and his associates.