SHC shows resentment over non-presence of IO in money laundering case

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s prosecutor on Friday informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that efforts were underway to shift the investigation of money laundering case to Islamabad.

The SHC resumed the case hearing on the bail pleas of suspects in the case including, Hussain Lawai, Taha Raza and OMNI group Head Anwar Majeed.

The bench showed resentment over non presence of investigation officer (IO) in the case.

“The case will not be adjourned, ask IO to appear before the court with immediate effect,” the court directed authorities concerned.

The NAB prosecutor apprised the court that the record of the case has been provided to the NAB by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

To this counsel of Taha Raza said that his client is imprisoned from last 6 months and pleaded the court to take up his [Taha] bail plea soon.

Read more: Zardari, Talpur’s bail in money laundering case extended till March 5

“Even the lawyers are aware that the probe will soon be shifted to Islamabad,” the court said in its remarks and added in that situation they could not take up the case.

It is pertinent to mention here that the NAB, in light of the Supreme Court orders decided to shift the case to Islamabad for further investigation.

Money laundering case

Zardari and Talpur are facing a probe into the money laundering scam involving over Rs35 billion laundered through fake bank accounts. Zardari’s close aides Hussain Lawai and Anwar Majeed are also being investigated in the scandal. They both are in custody.

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to probe into the mega money laundering scam submitted its report in the Supreme Court.

The JIT members revealed that 29 fake bank accounts had been identified, which were used for money laundering. They said Rs1.2 billion had been transferred to Ms Talpur from JV Opal account and she had admitted it during her appearance before the team.