ACC seeks Interpol's help in bringing PK Halder back
PK Halder, the alleged mastermind behind one of the biggest financial scams in the nation's history, fled the country in October last year despite the ACC’s travel ban
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought the help of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) in arresting and bringing back fugitive Prashanta Kumar Halder – better known as PK Halder – former managing director of International Leasing and Financial Services Limited (ILSFL) and NRB Global Bank.
ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
"The ACC sent a letter to Interpol two months ago seeking its help in bringing PK Halder back home. Later, Interpol sent a letter to the ACC with some queries," said a high official of the graft watchdog.
According to sources, PK Halder, the alleged mastermind behind one of the biggest financial scams in the nation's history, fled the country in October last year despite the ACC's travel ban.
He fled the country after allegedly siphoning off at least Tk11,000 crore, in association with his accomplices, causing several non-banking financial institutions to suffer.
The ACC is inquiring into the allegations against PK Halder.
On 8 January this year, the corruption watchdog filed a case against PK Halder on the charge of amassing wealth worth Tk275 crore through illegal means. The charges are under investigation now.
On 21 January, the High Court ordered the seizure of all assets, bank accounts, and passports of 19 people, including PK Halder, in connection with the smuggling of around Tk3,600 crore.
Halder reportedly expressed his interest in returning the embezzled money after ILSFL contacted him several months ago.
ILSFL lawyers then filed a petition with the High Court in October this year, seeking assurances that he would not be arrested or harassed upon his return.
After a hearing, the court passed its order on the petition, instructing the authorities concerned to arrest him upon his arrival home.
Since then, the return of Prashanta Kumar Halder to the country has been uncertain.
In the meantime, the ACC is contacting Interpol, seeking its help in bringing Halder back.