Apr 15 , 2015
News
Altaf again questioned in money-laundering case
* London police releases MQM chief on bail until July after further questioning g Altaf says he has faith in British justice system g Urges supporters to stay calm
ReutersLONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain, who lives in exile in London, was questioned again on Tuesday over money-laundering allegations, his party said.
Altaf was originally arrested by British police last June, leading to protests which led to a lockdown in Karachi. MQM, which denies involvement in money-laundering, said on its Twitter website he had returned to a central London police station on Tuesday for a scheduled interview with detectives, and was released on police bail until July after further questioning. “I urge my millions of party members and supporters across the world to remain calm during this process. I have every faith in the British justice system,” Hussain said in a statement.
“I hope that this extension will allow the authorities to conclude their investigation as quickly as possible.” London police said in a statement: “On Tuesday, 14 April a man aged 61 ... appeared on police bail and was further questioned in relation to money laundering offences being investigated by officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command.” Earlier this month Mohammed Anwar, a member of MQM’s Central Coordination Committee, was also arrested at his home in north London as part of the ongoing investigation into the money-laundering allegations.
In 2010, Imran Farooq, a founding member of MQM who was on the run from Pakistani police accused of involvement in murder and other serious crimes, was stabbed to death in London. British detectives have made a number of arrests and named suspects they would like to question, but no one has yet been charged with his murder. Altaf said he was determined to deal with the situation. During a press conference at MQM’s International Secretariat London after appearing before Scotland Yard on money laundering case, Altaf said he has fully trust on Scotland Yard police.
“I assure you I am well determined. We trust investigations being carried out by Scotland Yard. I should like to formally deny allegations set against me,” he said while adding he cannot speak further due to on going investigation. “I urge my millions of party members all over the world and supporters across the world to remain calm during this process,” Altaf added. The MQM chief said he was well aware cases on him and his companions were also filed in the past. He said killers of Dr Imran Farooq would be nabbed. “I pray to Almightly God killers of Dr Imran Farooq be apprehended,” he added.
When asked whether he senses any conspiracy against him, Altaf said few people in Pakistan were busy hatching conspiracies. “My enemies are mourning my release today.” Some “sold anchorpersons have already given their verdicts in my case”. He said some honest journalists have even distributed sweets on my release.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk