ACC arrests 2 more accomplices of PK Haldar

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested two people, known to have a close association with Prashant Kumar (PK) Haldar, the former managing director of NRB Global Bank, who is now fugitive on charges of laundering over Tk10,000 crores.

Two persons are Uzzal Kumar Nandi, former chairman of People's Leasing and Financial Services Limited (PLFS) and Rashedul Haque, former MD of International Leasing and Financial Services Limited (ILFSL).

ACC Deputy Director Gulshan Anwar Pradhan interrogated them at the ACC office on Sunday afternoon and then they were sent to Ramna Police Station.

Although no ACC member has commented on the matter, multiple sources said at least five cases will be filed against Haldar on Monday in connection with the scam. The total accused can be 30-35 people.

According to ACC sources, Rashedul and Ujjhal are named in the case as close associates of Haldar who has laundered huge amount of money abroad with their help. They will be presented in court after the case is filed on Monday.

Another ACC source said they had been detained after getting specific proofs of their involvement in the scam and for fear that they might flee. Details will be announced at a press conference on Monday.

In 2010, Haldar was the MD of Reliance Finance when Rashedul was the DMD. And, when Haldar was the MD of NRB Global Bank in 2015, Rashedul Haque joined there as the ILFSL MD.

After joining as the MD, Rashedul took over the authority of the organisation and used to give loans without any verification. Because of the influence and assistance of Haldar, he lent Tk2,500 crores to about 40 companies, most of which had no mortgage.

Besides, Haldar swindled crores of taka by opening a name-only company with the help of Uzzal Kumar.

According to ACC investigation, PK Haldar has embezzled at least Tk11,000 crores from various organisations and the amount may increase further in the future.

Of this, he has embezzled around Tk3,500 crores from ILFSL, Tk2,200 crores from FAS Finance, Tk2,500 crores from Reliance Finance and about Tk3,000 crores from PLFS. There was little mortgage against all these loans. So, the chances of repaying the loan are very little, the ACC said.

The ACC filed a case against PK Haldar on 8 January last year for allegedly acquiring illegal assets worth around Tk275 crores. The case is also under investigation.

As part of the investigation, PK Haldar's cousin Shankha Bepari, close associate Anindita Baral, tax lawyer Sukumar Mridha and his daughter Anindita Mridha were arrested by the ACC Deputy Director Md Salahudin.

On 28 June, PK Haldar, who is abroad, appealed to the current managing director of ILFSL to make arrangements for his return to the country.

Although the court allowed it, PK Haldar did not return and an arrest warrant was issued against him through Interpol.

The Dhaka Special Judge Court has already ordered the seizure of all immovable asset of Haldar.