The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to seek information from the United Arab Emirates about properties allegedly acquired in Dubai through money laundering by 73 Bangladeshis, including former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former Premier Bank chairman HBM Iqbal and former Padma Bank chairman Chowdhury Nafis Sarafat.

The ACC plans to send a Mutual Legal Assistance Request (MLAR) to the UAE under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), seeking relevant information and documents for its investigation.

According to ACC sources, the individuals under scrutiny allegedly purchased flats and houses in Dubai’s high-end areas, including Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, and obtained the UAE’s Golden Visa.

ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Aktarul Islam said the investigation team recently sought information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) on assets allegedly acquired in Dubai with laundered money.

The ACC has already collected records of the 73 individuals from the Election Commission, National Board of Revenue and Department of Immigration and Passports, along with information from other government agencies.

The investigation is being conducted by a special team led by ACC Deputy Director Alamgir Hossain and Assistant Director Ashikur Rahman.

The probe follows a Supreme Court directive issued on January 16, 2023, asking the ACC and relevant authorities to investigate allegations involving assets acquired in Dubai by 459 Bangladeshi citizens.

Data cited by the Centre for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) and the EU Tax Observatory showed that 459 Bangladeshis owned 972 properties in Dubai as of 2020, with a recorded value of around $313 million.

A C4ADS study published in May 2022 estimated the value at about $315 million, identifying properties in areas including Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

The ACC has not disclosed the professional identities of all 73 individuals, saying the investigation is still ongoing.