International Desk: An investigation into corruption allegations against former British city minister and Labour Party leader Tulip Siddique is underway. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) is helping Bangladeshi investigators in this regard.
Tulip Siddique was recently accused of benefiting from a controversial nuclear power plant deal. Several British officials have visited Dhaka to assist local authorities in the investigation into this allegation. This information was reported in a report by the British newspaper Telegraph.
Tulip has also been accused of using the influence of her aunt, Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, to take advantage of various opportunities. She has also been accused of accepting a flat from a businessman in Britain.
Last month, an ethics advisor found that Tulip had unintentionally misrepresented information about the scandal. She had to resign from her leadership position in the Labour Party after that.
Tulip was tasked with fighting corruption while he was Treasury Secretary. But questions have been raised about the properties he used in London and the links between them and Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, and he has called for an investigation into the matter himself.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is now investigating allegations that Tulip, Hasina and other members of their family embezzled £3.9 billion from a Russian-funded nuclear power project.
British police are also reportedly assisting in the investigation. NCA officials first visited Bangladesh in October last year to help Sheikh Hasina and her associates recover the money they embezzled. One source said British officials are seeking to help Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the case reaches trial.
The NCA can gather information for criminal cases against Tulip not only in Bangladesh but also in the UK. Under British law, anyone who accepts a bribe can be jailed for up to 10 years.
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