RAB Arrests Two More Female Cohorts of PK Halder

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested two women over their ties to scam-tainted businessman Proshanta Kumar Halder, who is currently in the custody of Indian authorities after fleeing Bangladesh in the face of money laundering and illegal wealth acquisition charges.

Khandaker Al Moin, RAB’s Legal and Media wing director, disclosed the information at a press conference on Wednesday (August 24).

During the primary interrogation, the female associates of PK Halder, identified as Sharmin Ahmed, 42 and Tania Ahmed, 37, confessed to their involvement in embezzling the money, he said.

Sharmin Ahmed embezzled Tk31 crore while her sister Tania Ahmed embezzled Tk33 crore, Moin cited. They were apprehended while trying to flee the country.

Last year, the authorities arrested Abantika Baral, another 'close aide' to PK Halder, in the capital's Dhanmondi. So far, law enforcers have arrested dozens of Halder's associates in connection with a case against him.

Halder is a former managing director of the International Leasing and Financial Services Limited or ILFSL and NRB Global Bank. He is accused of embezzling tens of billions of taka after taking control of four financial institutions, in which he placed his close associates in positions of power after purchasing large shares.

These institutions lent billions to fake companies opened by Halder and his associates, according to the charges brought by the ACC, which traced at least 20 such firms.

The four financial institutions under Halder’s control were Peoples Leasing and Financial Services (PLFSL), International Leasing and Financial Services (ILFSL), FAS Finance and Investment Limited, and Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company. Top officials of these institutions are among those prosecuted by the ACC.

The entities that Halder controlled have been struggling to survive for several years, hit heavily by default loans, a lack of capital and a failure to repay investors.

In the wake of complaints filed by ILFSL customers, the ACC initiated a case against Halder, who fled the country last year, for reportedly amassing Tk 2.75 billion worth of illegal assets.

Despite rumours that Halder had fled to Canada, he was arrested in India's West Bengal in May.

The Enforcement Directorate of India said it raided properties bought by Halder and his associates under fake Indian identities. He was later questioned by the ED before being sent to jail.