Daily Times

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday claimed to have arrested a suspect who allegedly made illegal telegraphic transfers (TTs) for the family of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif – a development it deemed “pivotal” in investigation in the money laundering and assets beyond known means cases.

The corruption watchdog’s Lahore chapter, in a press release, stated that the suspect named Aftab Mehmood was arrested on the basis of “important evidence” provided by another suspect, identified as Shahid Shafiq, who was himself detained two days ago.

“Both the detained suspects are cousins and had been illegally transferring funds into the Sharif family’s accounts through mutual coordination,” the bureau said.

NAB Lahore alleged that Mehmood, through a foreign currency exchange named Usman International operated simultaneously from London and Birmingham, had created bogus TTs for Hamza and Salman Shahbaz, as well as others.

The bureau further said that during its investigation so far, it had “found evidence of around Rs 3 billion worth of alleged money laundering against Shehbaz Sharif and his family”.

To further enhance the probe, Mehmood would be presented before an accountability court with a view to secure his 15-day physical remand, it added.

Members of the Shehbaz Sharif family face multiple accountability cases pertaining to alleged ownership of assets beyond their means and involvement in corrupt practices.

Hamza, along with his brother Salman, is accused of embezzling Rs 200 million from public funds in order to build a bridge benefiting Ramzan Sugar Mills, of which he is a director. The money, according to the NAB, was released by then Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also a suspect in the case.

Hamza is also accused of owning assets beyond means and is being interrogated by a combined investigation team of the bureau.