ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Wednesday launched an investigation into money laundering charges against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Jahangir Khan Tareen’s JWD Group, a conglomerate specialised in sugar manufacturing in the country.
The agency’s combined investigation team (CIT) has written letters to the deputy commissioners of Multan, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rahim Yar Khan seeking details of properties and bank accounts owned by the PTI leader, his son Ali Tareen and others associated with the firm. The agency also sought details in the matter from Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
According to reports, one of the deputy commissioners who have been sent letter disclosed that details of assets of 22 people, including Jahangir Tareen and members of his family, have been sought. The FIA probe team has also summoned the record of properties of the PTI leader’s son Ali Tareen.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has been asked to provide details of all companies registered in the name of Jahangir Tareen. The notices have also been issued to all Jahangir Tareen’s partner companies seeking records in 14 days.
Earlier on July 31, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) formed an 11-member team to launch investigations into the sugar scandal on the basis of the forensic audit report of the sugar inquiry commission. FIA Director of Islamabad Zone Dr Moeen Masood will head the investigation team that has been formed on directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The investigation team would get assistance from the Federal Board of Revenue, Customs Department, the SECP, and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to probe into the matter.
On July 21, Tareen had rejected the sugar inquiry commission’s report and said that he will prove all allegations against him are false. The PTI stalwart said that he was shocked at the kind of false allegations leveled against his legitimate business.
He said that he had always run a clean business and all of Pakistan knows that he pay full price to his growers.
Jahangir Tareen also rejected the allegation that like other sugar mills, two different sets of books were being maintained, stating that he pays all his taxes with diligence. Tareen vowed to answer every allegation and be vindicated.
