CID seizes assets of ex-LGRD minister’s aide in money laundering case
Investigators also found that, apart from properties in his own name, Fuad bought multiple plots of land using the names of his first and second wives
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has seized assets worth Tk5.44 crore belonging to AHM Fuad, the former APS to the ex-Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD), Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain.
The seized properties include a flat and 38.933 decimals of land. The order was issued by the Senior Special Judge's Court in Faridpur.
According to the money laundering investigation, AHM Fuad served as the assistant personal secretary to the LGRD minister during his tenure.
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At that time, he allegedly formed a group known as the 'Helmet Bahini', led by Sajjad Hossain Barkat, who at the time served as the Faridpur District Chhatra League president, and his brother Imtiaz Hossain Rubel, to establish dominance in the district.
With the help of this group, Fuad allegedly took control of tenders from various government offices — including LGED, Health Engineering Department, Directorate of Education, Public Works Department, BADC, Passport Office, BRTA, and Roads and Highways — and amassed a large amount of illegal wealth by collecting commissions at different rates. He is also accused of extorting money by intimidation in addition to tender manipulation.
Investigators also found that, apart from properties in his own name, Fuad bought multiple plots of land using the names of his first wife Farzana Fuad, second wife Taslima Akhter Bably, mother-in-law of his second wife Nadira Begum, and several other relatives.
These properties are reportedly held under the possession of his brothers and nephews. CID's investigation has even found information about investments in the transportation sector by anonymously purchasing luxury buses.
Following the investigation, CID filed a case under Section 4(2) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 with Faridpur Kotwali Police Station on 3 August this year.
The Financial Crime Unit of CID is currently conducting the investigation. The agency said its efforts to identify and arrest other members involved, and to uncover full details of the crime, are ongoing.
