Illegal wealth: ACC sues former MPs Mostafizur, Shimul, their wives

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed cases against former members of parliament Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury and Md Shafiqul Islam Shimul on charges of acquiring illegal assets.

Mostafizur's wife Shahin Akhter Chowdhury and Shimul's wife Shamima Sultana Jannati were also sued over the same charges.

ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain told The Business Standard today (6 January) that separate cases were filed against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

"Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury, while serving as an MP, allegedly acquired assets worth Tk98.67 lakh inconsistent with his known income through abuse of power. In addition, he made suspicious transactions of Tk18.75 crore through 21 bank accounts," the ACC official said. 

Mostafizur's wife Shahin allegedly acquired assets worth Tk2.06 crore inconsistent with her known source of income and made suspicious transactions of Tk3.13 crore through six bank accounts, Akhtar added.

Meanwhile, Shimul allegedly acquired assets worth Tk5.14 crore inconsistent with his known source of income through illegal means, and deposited Tk8.11 crore and withdrew Tk7.50 crore through 11 personal and business accounts in his name, said the ACC official.

He said Shimul's wife Shamima also allegedly acquired assets worth Tk11.22 crore inconsistent with her known source of income, and deposited Tk5.29 crore and withdrew Tk5.14 crore through four personal and business accounts.

Akhtar, however, did not mention the period of acquisition of their assets and transactions in the bank account.

Citing case details, he said Shamima purchased a luxurious house at 73, Harewood Avenue, Toronto, Canada on 10 January 2020 for approximately 1.72 million Canadian dollars, which is approximately Tk11 crore. 

"Process is underway to collect records related to the ownership of the house. Any information or records of the house purchased in the name of Shamima Sultana Jannati will be collected and taken into account during investigation," said the ACC official.