ACC to start two more cases against PK Halder over ‘loan fraud’

Halder, arrested in India nearly three years ago, remains in custody as efforts to bring him back continue

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing to initiate two new cases against former banker Proshanta Kumar Halder, commonly known as PK Halder, over a Tk 500 million “loan fraud” at South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank.

The agency’s Director General (Prevention) Akhtar Hossain shared the development at the commission’s headquarters on Thursday.

According to him, a total of 50 people will be named in the two cases, with 24 of them appearing in both.

They face allegations of colluding to misuse power for loan approvals.

The national anti-graft agency alleges that the bank failed to verify the borrowers’ repayment capacity and did not conduct field inspections of business sites or warehouses, yet approved Tk 250 million in just five days.

The first case will accuse the defendants of embezzling Tk 205.3 million through layering -- by moving, transferring and converting funds across bank accounts linked to several companies owned by the borrower.

The charges fall under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act, according to the ACC official.

In the second case, the same allegations apply.

Although Tk 350 million was approved, the funds were not used for the intended purpose.

Instead, Tk 291.6 million was siphoned off in similar fashion through unauthorised transfers.

“These charges too will be prosecuted under the same laws,” Akhtar confirmed.

Asked about progress on bringing PK Halder back to Bangladesh, he said: “The process is complicated, but several agencies are working to bring him home.”

He added, “Our law-enforcing agencies, including the ACC, are trying to have him extradited. If there is any breakthrough, you will be informed.”

Halder, who has been wanted in Bangladesh for major financial crimes, was arrested in India’s West Bengal nearly three years ago.

“We have an extradition treaty with India, and we’ve learnt that he is still in their custody. That’s why our agencies are making efforts to have him returned,” the officer said.