Minister Tulip Siddiq caught up in Bangladesh court anti-corruption probe
The anti-corruption minister from Labour has been mentioned in court papers that outline allegations of her family's involvement in misappropriating billions of pounds from a nuclear energy initiative in Bangladesh.
Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq, who oversees issues related to financial crime and illegal finance, is reportedly accused of assisting in organizing discussions with the Russian government about the Rooppur nuclear power plant initiative.
In a legal document reviewed by Sky News, filed with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Ms. Siddiq is mentioned alongside her aunt, former Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina of Bangladesh.
The papers reference an online news article from August and imply that Ms. Siddiq received misappropriated money that originated from inflated construction costs for the power plant, which was primarily financed by the Russian government.
It's claimed that $5 billion (£3.9 billion) was diverted from the project's funds in collaboration with Russian officials.
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Ms. Siddiq has been asked to comment on the case, which the Conservatives have described as "another blemish on Keir Starmer's judgment."
Shadow Home Office minister Matt Vickers stated that it is now time for Sir Keir's "anti-corruption minister" to be transparent and honest.
Both the Labour Party and the government chose not to provide any remarks.
It is clear that the minister has not been contacted by Bangladeshi officials regarding the accusations.
According to a source close to the party, the claims came from a questionable American aerospace website.
Downing Street stated that Sir Keir Starmer has faith in Ms. Siddiq.
Bobby Hajjaj, a rival politician to Hasina, has filed a legal complaint.
Hasina left Bangladesh in August and stepped down from her position as prime minister, concluding her two-decade tenure in office.
Her exit came after weeks of violent protests in the nation, and the new administration has charged Hasina with various offenses from her time in power.
In 2013, Ms. Siddiq was seen in a photo with Hasina during a signing event at the Kremlin, where they were joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At that time, she served as a council member for the London Borough of Camden.
The Associated Press cited reports from Russian news outlets that indicated Moscow intends to provide Bangladesh with $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) to support the construction of nuclear power plants and to purchase military equipment from Russia.
The Prime Minister's official representative mentioned that Ms. Siddiq has "rejected any connection to the allegations" of embezzlement, while also reaffirming her role as a minister in charge of the UK's anti-corruption initiatives.
When asked if there was any potential conflict of interest regarding Ms. Siddiq's participation in a 2013 agreement between Bangladesh and Russia concerning a nuclear power plant, along with her duties as a minister, the spokesperson responded: "I cannot comment on incidents that occurred before a minister's tenure in the government."
Sky News has reached out to the Bangladeshi Awami League Party, currently led by Sheikh Hasina, to request a statement.
A representative from the party has been reported stating that the allegations of embezzlement are "made up."
