London apartment linked to Bangladesh minister’s brother frozen in corruption investigation

Britain’s High Court has frozen a £15 million (approximately $20.1 million) London apartment linked to Anisuzzaman “Ronny” Chowdhury, brother of Bangladesh’s former land minister, following allegations of concealed ownership and suspected financial crimes.

According to Financial Times reporting, Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) secured an order blocking its sale or transfer after Chowdhury failed to explain funds used to purchase it.

Investigators alleged he transferred its holding company for £1 (approximately $1.34) through an arrangement designed to return control to his wife and daughters.

Justice Karen Steyn found a good arguable case that the property represented proceeds of crime.

Chowdhury did not oppose the freezing order but denied unlawful conduct and concealing ownership. He said he would vigorously defend any civil recovery proceedings.

His brother, Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, previously served as Bangladesh’s land minister.