Govt asks UK authorities to reconsider money laundering cases against MQM chief
The government of Pakistan has reportedly asked the British authorities to reconsider their decision of closing money laundering cases against Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder and leader Altaf Hussain.
The interior ministry reportedly wrote a letter to British authorities in this regard, seeking details of the cases registered against the MQM chief, an interior ministry source informed DawnNews.
In the letter, the interior ministry has expressed reservations over the UK government’s decision to end money laundering cases against the MQM chief, the source said.
It was further stated in the said letter that the UK government should reconsider its decision under the light of the evidences and information provided by Pakistani authorities, and hinted that the UK government should reopen the cases against Altaf Hussain, the interior ministry source said.
The ministry was of the view that in order to expedite the pending cases against Altaf Hussain in Pakistan it was necessary that the British authorities share the related evidences with the Pakistani authorities.
In October last year, British investigative agency Scotland Yard had dropped investigations into the money laundering case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain in London.
Cases against senior MQM leader Mohammad Anwar and businessman Sarfaraz Merchant were also dropped by the Metropolitan Police. The cases were wrapped up due to lack of evidence.
The police said that during the course of investigation, six people had been arrested, 11 others interviewed under caution and nine premises searched. Despite all that work, the police said: “There is not a realistic prospect of a successful prosecution under UK law, therefore the investigation is now complete and no further action will be taken.