The United Kingdom's National Crime Agency on Monday announced to have "arrested a former Pakistani politically exposed person", aged 40, along with his 30-year-old wife, "in connection with alleged money laundering in the United Kingdom believed to be the result of corruption in Pakistan".

According to a statement issued by the UK's agency, the couple, who were arrested in Surrey [county in southeastern England], "control a UK property portfolio worth more than £8 million for which they appear to have no legitimate source of income".

The investigation which led to the arrest of the couple by NCA's International Corruption Unit was "supported by the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency in Pakistan," read the statement.

"The man and his wife were questioned by NCA officers and have now been released under investigation."

The International Corruption Unit, which is principally funded by the Department for International Development (DfID) and concentrates its resources where there is a clear link with countries that receive overseas development aid from the UK, investigates serious criminal allegations of bribery and corruption.

This includes bribery committed either by a UK-based person or company to gain commercial advantage overseas, or the investigation of money laundering in the UK committed by foreign "Politically Exposed Persons".

Earlier on Monday, Law Minister Dr Farogh Naseem and British Home Secretary Sajid Javid jointly announced a justice and accountability 'initiative' between the UK and Pakistan aimed at repatriating "the looted wealth of the country".

The initiative — which the duo insisted will not target individuals but is a broader arrangement between the two governments to collaborate for the elimination of a variety of crimes — was launched during the British home secretary's official visit to Islamabad.

Must Read

May 12, 2007 — the day Karachi went berserk

May 12, 2007 — the day Karachi went berserk

Retired SHC judge recalls the bloody Saturday when the city was under siege for nearly 24 hours and held hostage by forces in the face of whom even jurists and law enforcers were helpless.

Opinion

Editorial

A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...
Taxing pensions
Updated 11 May, 2024

Taxing pensions

Tax reforms have failed to deliver because of distortions created by the FBR bureaucracy through SROs, apparently for personal gains.
Orwellian slide
11 May, 2024

Orwellian slide

IN recent years, Pakistan has made several attempts at introducing an overarching mechanism through which to check...
Terror against girls
11 May, 2024

Terror against girls

ONCE again, the ogre of terrorism is seeking the sacrifice of schoolgirls. On Wednesday, just days after the...