Tulip's properties could be investigated by National Crime Agency

Britain's organized crime agency may scrutinize properties owned by Anti-Corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq as part of a money-laundering investigation.

Reports indicate that the National Crime Agency (NCA) is examining a London apartment owned by Ms. Siddiq and a £2.1 million semi-detached house where she resides with her family. There is no indication of any wrongdoing on her part.

Ms. Siddiq, who serves as the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, is facing calls to resign but has referred herself to the government's ministerial standards watchdog to address the situation.

The inquiry follows allegations that she utilized London properties associated with allies of her aunt, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has faced accusations of human rights violations.

The NCA's international corruption unit is investigating the origins of these property purchases, assisting Bangladeshi authorities in tracing billions of pounds allegedly embezzled by Hasina’s regime. The properties in question include a house linked to Abdul Karim Nazim, an Awami League official, and a flat initially acquired by Abdul Motalif, a property developer connected to Hasina.

An NCA spokesperson stated they could neither confirm nor deny any ongoing investigation.

In an effort to mitigate the political fallout, Ms. Siddiq wrote to Sir Laurie Magnus, the government's ethics adviser, explaining: "In recent weeks, I have been the subject of media reports, many of which are inaccurate, regarding my financial affairs and my family's ties to the former Bangladeshi government."

"I am clear that I have done nothing wrong. However, for the avoidance of doubt, I would like you to independently establish the facts about these matters. I will obviously ensure you have all the information you need to do this."

She also cancelled plans to join Chancellor Rachel Reeves on a trip to Beijing this weekend.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted he still has confidence in Ms Siddiq but Conservatives say she should stand down from her Treasury role, which includes responsibility to "financial sanctions and countering economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance", at least until Sir Laurie's inquiry is complete.

Sheikh Hasina is Ms Siddiq's aunt and was Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 2009 to August 2024, when she resigned following protests and fled to India.

A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for Ms Hasina. Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh's International Criminal Tribunal, said in October 2024: "Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings and crimes against humanity in July to August."