ACC traces 70 VIP money launderers to Dubai
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has identified 70 individuals suspected of laundering money from Bangladesh and acquiring wealth in Dubai through the Golden Visa programme.
Investigations reveal that Bangladeshi nationals own 972 properties in Dubai, prompting the ACC to seek detailed tax records from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), including tax identification numbers (e-TINs) and income tax returns.
A senior ACC official confirmed the development on Wednesday (April 23).
Among those under scrutiny are pro-Awami League businessmen and politicians, though the ACC’s letter did not disclose their specific positions or identities. The request, signed by ACC Deputy Director and Investigation Team Leader Ram Prasad Mandal, seeks comprehensive financial records from the NBR.
The properties were allegedly purchased with illicit funds laundered through foreign banks, including Swiss banks. The list of suspects includes prominent names such as:
Ahsanul Karim, Anjuman Ara Shahid, Hefzul Bari Mohammad Iqbal, Humaira Selim, Juran Chandra Bhowmik, Md. Rabbi Khan, Mohammad Golam Mostafa, Mohammad Oliur Rahman, SA Khan Ikhtekharuzzaman, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, Syed Fahim Ahmed, Syed Hasnain, Syed Mahmudul Haque, Syed Ruhul Haque, Golam Mohammad Bhuiyan, Haji Mostafa Bhuiyan, Manoj Kanti Pal, Md. Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury, Md. Mahbubul Haque Sarkar, Md. Selim Reza, Mohammad Ilias Bazlur Rahman, SU Ahmed, Shehtaz Munshi Khan, AKM Fazlur Rahman, Abu Yusuf Md. Abdullah.
Other notable names include: Chowdhury Nafiz Sarafat, Gulzar Alam Chowdhury, Hasan Ashiq Taimur Islam, Hasan Reza Mohidul Islam, Khaled Mahmud, M Sajjad Alam, Mohammad Yasin Ali, Mustafa Amir Faisal, Rifat Ali Bhuiyan, Salimul Haque Isa/Hakim Mohammad Isa, Syed AK Anwaruzzaman/Syed Kamruzzaman, Syed Salman Masud, Syed Saimul Haque, Abdul Hai Sarkar, Ahmed Samir Pasha.
The full list encompasses 70 individuals, including business figures, politicians, and family members.
ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain stated that the commission has the authority to summon any necessary documents and will proceed based on evidence.
According to the US-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) and the EU Tax Observatory, Bangladeshis own properties in Dubai worth $313 million (as of 2020)—though the actual value may be significantly higher.
Key findings include:
64 properties in Dubai Marina (an elite area)
19 properties in Palm Jumeirah
At least 100 villas and 5 entire buildings owned by Bangladeshis
Some individuals hold assets worth $44 million
The ACC previously sought information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April 2023. The probe follows a Supreme Court directive (January 16, 2023) to investigate allegations against 459 Bangladeshis with Dubai assets.
Sources indicate a surge in Dubai property purchases by Bangladeshis, even amid global economic downturns. Bangladeshis now outpace buyers from the Netherlands, Switzerland, China, and Germany in Dubai’s real estate market.
A May 2022 report by C4ADS first exposed these transactions, revealing how laundered money fuels Dubai’s property boom. While the report did not name individuals, it highlighted systemic capital flight from Bangladesh.