Islamabad (September 24, 2018): The Apex Court on Monday ordered a special court to not issue any orders in an ongoing Rs35 billion money laundering case without informing it beforehand.
The Court was informed that at least 334 individuals are involved in laundering money through fake accounts.
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JIT head Ahsan Sadiq briefed a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, in regards to 159 bank accounts and 210 companies of which 47 belong to Anwar Majeed’s Omni Group, currently being investigated for illegal transactions. 
The progress report submitted to the apex court by the JIT also highlighted that the funds were deposited in the dubious accounts by government contractors.
The chief justice observed during the hearing that the accounts were used to legalise illegal funds after being routed through fake accounts and also directed special courts to refrain from passing any order in applications filed by the respondents of the case.
Justice Nisar asked, “Is there any progress on the investigations regarding money that was sent through sea launches?” However, the JIT head responded in the negative.
Justice Nisar then remarked, “We have trusted the JIT with the responsibility.”
“The purpose of the bank accounts is to legalise money that was stolen,” he added.
The chief justice then said, “Arif Khan also has an integral role.” However, the JIT head informed the bench, “Arif is not in Pakistan and I cannot yet say which country he is residing in.”
Sadiq further said that steps are being taken to bring back those accused in the case to the country. “Meanwhile, we are also in contact with National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and State Bank of Pakistan for records to aid with investigations.”
The court later adjourned the hearing for 10 days.
On the other hand, FIA has termed grant of Rs. 1crore to probe fake bank account “Insufficient.”
According to the letter acquired by Abbtakk, which was written to the Interior Ministry by FIA, grant of Rs. 1 crore has been termed insufficient.
Adding that funds are required for probe of fake accounts, which were used for alleged money laundering by reputable firms.
Earlier on September 13, joint investigation team (JIT) formed by the Supreme Court to probe into an ongoing money laundering case has set up its secretariat in Karachi.
Sources said that JIT members agreed on setting up the secretariat in Karachi instead of Islamabad.
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“Following their decision, the Secretariat was established in Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) new building in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of the metropolis,” sources added.
The apex court gave the following mandate to the JIT:
- The JIT shall set up its Secretariat at a place convenient to it.
- The JIT shall have all powers relating to inquiries and investigations including those available in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1908; National Accountability Ordinance, 1999; Federal Investigation Agency Act, 1974 and the Anti Corruption Laws, etc.
- All executive authorities or agencies in the country shall render assistance and provide support to the JIT in its working if required.
- The JIT shall submit periodic reports before this court qua the progress made in the investigation on fortnightly basis under sealed cover for our examination.
- The Additional Director General, FIA, who shall head the JIT may co-opt any other expert who may in his opinion be necessary to complete the investigation in an effective and timely manner.
- First Report of the JIT shall be filed within a period of 15 days from today.
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