Tulip Siddiq (Image: Getty)
Britain’s organised crime agency could look at property owned by anti-corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq as part of an investigation into money-laundering.
The National Crime Agency is reported to be investigating a London flat owned by Ms Siddiq as well as a £2.1 million semi-detached house where she lives with her family. There is no suggestion of wrong-doing on her part.
Ms Siddiq, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is resisting pressure to resign after referring herself to the government’s watchdog on ministerial standards.
It follows reports she used London properties linked to allies of her aunt, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been accused of human rights abuses.
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The National Crime Agency’s international corruption unit is looking at how the properties were originally purchased as part of an inquiry helping authorities in Bangladesh track down billions of pounds allegedly stolen by the Hasina regime.
They include a house said to be owned by Abdul Karim Nazim, an official in Hasina’s political party, the Awami League, as well as a flat originally bought by Abdul Motalif, a property developer with links to the former Bangladeshi Prime Minister.
A National Crime Agency source said it could not confirm or deny any potential inquiry.
Ms Siddiq has attempted to defuse the political row over by referring herself to Sir Laurie Magnus, the government’s ethics adviser. She told him in a letter: “In recent weeks I have been the subject of media reporting, much of it inaccurate, about my financial affairs and my family’s links to the former government of Bangladesh.
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“I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters. I will obviously ensure you have all the information you need to do this.”
She also cancelled plans to join Chancellor Rachel Reeves on a trip to Beijing this weekend.
Prime Minister Sir insisted he still has confidence in Ms Siddiq but say she should stand down from her Treasury role, which includes responsibility to “financial sanctions and countering economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance”, at least until Sir Laurie’s inquiry is complete.
Sheikh Hasina is Ms Siddiq’s aunt and was Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 2009 to August 2024, when she resigned following protests and fled to India.
A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for Ms Hasina. Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal, said in October 2024: “Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings and crimes against humanity in July to August.”