A labor minister has been named in an investigation into allegations her family embezzled up to £3.9 billion (Tk590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
Tulip Siddiq, who as economic secretary to the Treasury is responsible for fighting corruption in Britain's financial markets, is said to have negotiated a deal with Russia in 2013 for a new nuclear power plant in Bangladesh, which helped siphon off 1 billion pounds sterling in private hands.
The allegation is part of a broader investigation by the Bangladesh Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) into the aunt of Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina, the country's recently deposed prime minister who fled to India in August.
Siddiq has been contacted for comment. The Labor Party declined to comment.
The investigation is based on a series of allegations made by Bobby Hajjaj, a prominent political opponent of Hasina.
The ACC is also investigating several members of Hasina's family, including Siddiq's mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and senior officials in her government.
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for more than 20 years, was seen as an autocrat whose government ruthlessly suppressed dissent.
Since fleeing the country, Hasina has been accused of multiple crimes by the new Bangladeshi government.
Hasina is wanted by Bangladesh's International Criminal Court (ICTY) for her alleged involvement in “crimes against humanity” committed during the protests, during which hundreds of people were killed.
Arrest warrants have also been issued for 45 other people, including former government ministers who also fled the country.
Syed Faruk, who heads the UK branch of Hasina's Awami League, said the claims were “fabricated”.
Siddiq was elected MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 2015, the north London constituency neighboring Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's seat of Holborn and St Pancras.
