Former UK Labour minister Tulip Siddiq has accused the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of running a 'targeted and baseless' campaign against her.
In a letter to ACC, Siddiq's lawyers called the corruption allegations "false and vexatious," asserting that they had never been formally presented to her, despite media briefings, BBC reports.
Siddiq resigned from her role as economic secretary to the Treasury in January, citing concerns over being a "distraction" to the government, although she maintained her innocence.
When the allegations first arose, Siddiq referred herself to the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, who found no evidence of wrongdoing but noted that Siddiq had not been fully aware of the "potential reputational risks" related to her ties with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina.
The ACC is investigating claims that Sheikh Hasina and her family embezzled from infrastructure funds in Bangladesh.
Court documents reveal that Bobby Hajjaj has accused Siddiq of facilitating a 2013 nuclear deal with Russia that overinflated the price of a power plant in Bangladesh.
Siddiq’s lawyers deny any involvement in the deal, despite a 2013 photo showing her at a signing ceremony with Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They argue that it was common for family members to accompany heads of state on such visits and that Siddiq had no knowledge of any financial misconduct.
The letter also refutes claims that a £700,000 flat in King's Cross, London, gifted to Siddiq in 2004, was linked to embezzlement, describing the accusation as "absurd." The flat's gift, Siddiq’s lawyers clarify, came from Abdul Motalif, a close family friend, not any illicit funds.
Siddiq's lawyers further criticized the ACC for leaking information to the media, calling it an attempt to interfere in UK politics. They demanded that the ACC cease these briefings and formally present any allegations to Siddiq by March 25 or assume no legitimate questions exist.
ACC Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen responded, stating that all allegations would be proven in court, including in the UK.
