‘Dirty money’ ring linked to trafficking stands trial

Stacks of money passed through currency exchanges and into a quiet flat, one of several stops in a laundering trail now under the eye of the High Criminal Court. Four Asians stand accused of amassi n g m o r e t h a n BD175,000, money the prosecution says came from human trafficking and prostitution.

Three of the accused appeared in court, while one woman remains missing. Lawyers were present, who asked for time to review the papers and prepare a defence. The judges pushed the next hearing to 8 April. Prosecutors say the money came from the sale and control of women. The accused are said to have known where the cash came from.

It was transferred abroad, bit by bit, through exchange houses and bank wires. Source of funds Gold jewellery was also bought, items investigators say were chosen to help hide the source of the funds. The first defendant is thought to have played a leading part. From her flat she received the money, logged the amounts, then saw to it they were sent overseas. Investigators believe she knew full well what she was handling. The surveillance operation pieced it all together slowly. Currency trails, names, accounts, receipts.