British investigative agency Scotland Yard dropped investigations into the money laundering case against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain in London.
“Following a detailed evidential review and upon receipt of legal advice, made the decision to withdraw their application in a civil case under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for the forfeiture of over £500,000 in cash” The Metropolitan Police Service on 13 October.
Cases against senior MQM leader Mohammad Anwar and businessman Sarfaraz Merchant were also dropped by the Metropolitan Police. The cases were wrapped up due to lack of evidence.
The cash had been seized from a number of venues between 2012 and 2014. Since 2013, officers from the Met’s National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit have been investigating allegations of money laundering to which the civil proceedings were linked.
“Having examined all of the evidence the Met has accepted that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the money seized was the proceeds of crime or was intended for use in unlawful conduct”, Police said.
Metropolitan Police arrested 6 people, 11 other were interviewed under caution, a total of twenty-eight interviews were conducted at police stations of persons under investigation, over hundred witness statements were taken, 9 premises were searched which were located in the South and North of England.
Police said that all reasonable lines of enquiry have been exhausted, including international enquiries, a case file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for their careful consideration.
“Officers have now received their advice, taking into account all of the evidence identified during the course of the investigation, that there is not a realistic prospect of a successful prosecution under UK law, therefore the investigation is now complete and no further action will be taken” statement added.
