Luxury Properties Frozen by UK Crime Agency
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen almost £90 million worth of luxury properties in London. These properties are linked to two men connected to the former government of Bangladesh.
This action comes after growing pressure on the UK to help Bangladesh find and stop the flow of money and assets tied to the old regime.
Who Are the People Involved?
The two men involved are Ahmed Shayan Rahman and his cousin Ahmed Shahryar Rahman. Official documents show that the NCA has issued nine freezing orders. This means the two men are now not allowed to sell or move the properties.
Many of these properties are in Grosvenor Square, a very expensive and well-known area of London.
Connection to Sheikh Hasina’s Government
The Rahman cousins are closely related to Salman F Rahman, who is the father of Ahmed Shayan and the uncle of Ahmed Shahryar. Salman F Rahman is a rich businessman and was a top adviser to Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
He was arrested last year while allegedly trying to escape during a student-led revolution that removed Sheikh Hasina from power. Salman is now facing corruption charges in Bangladesh.
How Were the Properties Bought?
Records from Companies House show that all of these properties were bought through offshore companies registered in places like the British Virgin Islands, the Isle of Man, and Jersey.
The prices of these properties range from £1.2 million to £35.5 million.
These properties were also mentioned in a joint investigation by The Guardian and Transparency International, which found that about £400 million worth of UK property is owned by people linked to Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Read More: Nahid Bold Calls for Unified Roadmap on Justice, Reform and Elections in Bangladesh
One Property Linked to Sheikh Hasina’s Sister
One of the frozen properties is located in Gresham Gardens, north London. According to the Financial Times, Sheikh Rehana (Sheikh Hasina’s sister) has lived in this property. Rehana is also the mother of Tulip Siddiq, a former UK minister.
The FT reported that this specific property was bought for £7.7 million.
What Experts Are Saying
Duncan Hames, who is the Director of Policy at Transparency International UK, said:
“We urge UK law enforcement to continue their inquiries and to freeze all suspect assets without delay.”
Statement from the NCA
A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said:
“We can confirm that the NCA has secured freezing orders against a number of properties as part of an ongoing civil investigation.”
Legal Actions in Bangladesh
Meanwhile, the temporary government now in power in Bangladesh is also taking action. They have issued an arrest warrant for Tulip Siddiq, who earlier stepped down from her position as City minister after allegations came out.
Tulip Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing.
What the Rahmans Are Saying
The Guardian contacted the lawyers of the Rahman family and the company Beximco, which was started by Salman F Rahman, for their comments.
A spokesperson for Ahmed Shayan Rahman earlier told the Financial Times:
“Our client denies any involvement in any alleged wrongdoing in the strongest possible terms. He will of course engage with any investigation which takes place in the UK.”
“It is well known that there is political upheaval in Bangladesh, where numerous allegations are being made against many hundreds of individuals. We would expect the UK authorities to take this into consideration.”
Source: The Guardian
