NBR Intelligence Cell Uncovers Tk 40,000 Crore in Foreign Assets

The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has traced nearly Tk 40,000 crore in assets amassed abroad through money laundering from Bangladesh. Investigations conducted in seven cities across different countries since January this year revealed these findings.

On Sunday, at the state guesthouse Jamuna, NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib handed over the information to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

According to CIC sources, 352 passports acquired by Bangladeshis through monetary transactions were found across nine countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, North Macedonia, Malta, Saint Lucia, and Turkey.

Ahsan Habib stated that investigators conducted on-site inspections based on preliminary information collected from various sources within the country and gathered detailed data. So far, 346 properties acquired through money laundering in the names of individuals and organizations have been identified, though this represents only a partial picture of the investigation.

The CIC is working to seize these assets and repatriate them, as well as bring the individuals involved under the law. Over six international organizations are assisting Bangladesh in this process.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized that those involved in money laundering must be identified and appropriate legal actions taken through the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), CIC, police, and other relevant authorities. He noted that this would set a precedent to prevent future plundering and transfer of the country’s assets abroad.

He further stated that the illegal transfer and looting of national assets should be considered a severe act of treason and bringing these perpetrators to justice is essential to ensure a safe country for future generations.

The Chief Adviser instructed the CIC to expand the investigation further and conduct inquiries in other potential countries to ensure the recovery of the nation’s assets.