CID freezes Tk18.16cr in 35 bank accounts linked to journalist Munni Saha

The Financial Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has frozen a total of 35 bank accounts linked to journalist and television presenter Munni Saha and associated individuals and entities, containing approximately Tk18.16 crore.

According to a press statement issued by CID today (24 May), the accounts were frozen following allegations that Munni Saha and her husband Kabir Hossain Tapas used their position in journalism to exert undue influence, engage in fraudulent activities, and extort money.

The CID stated that the couple allegedly laundered illicit funds through accounts maintained under their names and those of affiliated persons and institutions. 

Acting on these allegations, the CID initiated a money laundering investigation in line with the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019.

Preliminary investigations revealed that 46 bank accounts were opened under the names of Munni Saha, Kabir Hossain, and their associates, of which 35 are currently active. These accounts have reportedly seen suspicious transactions totalling Tk186.56 crore over time, the statement reads.

Following the suspicious transaction patterns, CID investigators sought court permission to freeze the accounts. The Senior Special Judge of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court granted the request, resulting in the freezing of 35 accounts holding Tk18.16 crore.

CID confirmed that the investigation into Munni Saha, her husband, and their associates is ongoing under the money laundering law.