FIA detects 30 more benami accounts in money laundering scam

PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has unearthed 30 more benami accounts used in laundering over Rs10 billion.

During the ongoing probe into infamous money laundering scam involving Asif Ali Zardari and his aides, FIA officials revealed on Sunday that 30 more benami bank accounts were detected which were operated under the name of eight domestic workers hired by an influential businessman.

The salaries of the said workers were between Rs12,000 to Rs15,000, yet transactions up to Rs10 billion had been conducted through their bank accounts, the FIA told.

According to the investigation agency, the accounts were used to launder money around different districts of the province.

The case background

The Supreme Court in July had taken up a suo motu case regarding fake accounts that revolves around a 2015 inquiry into the suspicious transactions when 29 ‘benami’ bank accounts were identified. Seven individuals were found involved in transacting Rs 35 bn suspiciously.

Former president Zardari and his sister were among over a dozen suspects declared absconders in the money-laundering scam.

In the FIA list, Anwar Majeed and his son’s names appear on top, while those of Zardari and Talpur were on the 19th and 20th number, respectively.

According to the FIR registered by FIA, transactions of billions of rupees were made into suspicious accounts, including the one owned by the PPP leaders, the Zardari Group, which is accused of receiving Rs 15 million of the allegedly laundered money.