Home
+
Published : 04 Mar 2025, 08:49 PM
Sadeeq Agro Chairman Imran Hossain has illegally amassed at least Tk 1.34 billion, with Tk 8.6 million laundered, according to the Criminal Investigation Department, or CID.
The CID claims the company falsely marketed domestic cattle and goats as “foreign and pedigree” breeds, illegally earning over Tk 1.21 billion from the sacrificial market.
Police arrested Imran in Dhaka’s Malibagh on Monday afternoon in connection with a money laundering case.
The court ordered him to be sent to jail the following day.
To share the information obtained from the preliminary investigation, the CID held a press conference at its headquarters in Malibagh on Tuesday afternoon.
Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police Ekramul Habib of the CID’s Organised Crime Division said, "A case has been filed at Mohammadpur Police Station on Monday against Imran and his business partner, Touhidul Alam Zenith, for money laundering.
“According to preliminary findings, they have amassed Tk 1.34 billion through money laundering. They imported banned Brahma cattle by fraud and smuggled around Tk 8.6 million while violating government regulations."
He added, "Imran and his associates used to smuggle cattle and buffalo from Thailand and Myanmar for sale.
“They are also accused of bringing cattle from Bhutan and Nepal through illegal channels."
When asked if there was evidence linking any government officials to Imran’s activities, the CID officer said: "According to the Money Laundering Prevention Act, if there are any allegations against a government official, the Anti-Corruption Commission will investigate.
“For now, it is not appropriate to disclose all details as the investigation is ongoing."
He explained that information related to illegal transactions through banking channels is being kept confidential for the sake of the investigation.
The officer said further details will be provided after the investigation.
He continued, “He [Imran] has become the owner of substantial assets and has illegally filled a government canal in Mohammadpur for business purposes.
“In addition, there is evidence of substantial movable property, as well as other assets that have not yet come into our possession."
The officer revealed that the laundered money is believed to be in several countries, including Thailand.
"Imran's associate Zenith has not yet been arrested. We are conducting operations.
“Preliminary information suggests the involvement of five to seven more people," he concluded.
