Transparency International calls for probe into Sharif's Avenfield properties under UK law

LONDON: Problems for ousted premier Nawaz Sharif apparently seemed escalating as Transparency International (TI), an INGO, called for a probe into five controversial properties in the United Kingdom, including Sharif’s Avenfield flats in London.

The TI incorporated Sharif’s London properties in the list of controversial properties, which has been handed over to the UK law enforcement agencies.

According to a press release issued by the INGO, the UK law enforcement agencies have been called for an immediate investigation into the source of money to purchase the controversial properties under ‘Unexplained Wealth Order’ law.

Meanwhile, an accountability court in Pakistan is to record testimonies of two UK-based prosecution witnesses against Nawaz Sharif and his children via video link in the Avenfield supplementary graft reference.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a supplementary reference after obtaining additional evidence about Sharif’s London properties under the mutual legal assistance (MLA) in January 2018.

The reference states that the Sharifs failed to provide the money trail behind the purchase of the Avenfield flats and the Trust Deed between Maryam and Hussain presented to the JIT found to be fake.

It alleges Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz and son Hussain Nawaz provided fake documents to a joint investigation team appointed to probe the ruling family’s wealth with regard to the flats in a pricey London neighbhourhood.

Naming Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, sons – Hussain and Hasan – and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar as accused in the reference, it maintains they have committed corruption, which is punishable act under Section 10 of the National Accountability Ordinance.

It further says that an investigation against, Tariq Shafi, former premier’s cousin, Saeed Ahmed, President National Bank of Pakistan, Javed Kayani and Mosa Ghani was also underway.

The supplementary reference included seven witnesses, including expert of the Radley Forensic Document Laboratory in London, Robert W. Radley and solicitor.

TV interviews of the former premier, Maryam, Hasan and Hussain have also been made a part of the evidence.