The National Investigation Agency and Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad may probe real estate broker Hasan Ali Khan's money trail and possible terror links.
The National Investigation Agency and Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad may probe real estate broker Hasan Ali Khan's money trail and possible terror links.
This development came to light after the Supreme Court mulled the possibility of invoking terror charges against Khan yesterday.
Additional Director General Rakesh Maria, who is in charge of the ATS, told MiD DAY that he was in touch with officials at Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other agencies, but refused to elaborate on the issue.
Investigating agencies suspect that Khan could have developed links with terror groups while laundering more than Rs 36,000 crore in overseas banks. "But only a detailed probe can establish such claims.
In its report, ED has said it suspected Khan of being associated with arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi.
According to documents available with MiD DAY, Khan had opened an account in a Singapore bank and transferred $560,000,000 to his Swiss Bank UBS account in December 1997.
But the investigation trail went cold soon.
The role of the anti-terror agencies assumes significance as it is suspected that the money could be transferred by hawala channels controlled by the underworld.
Wherewithal
Insiders said though ED is empowered with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, it is not in a position to probe the terror angle.
Agencies such as the ATS and NIA may play an important role in probing the terror trail as both the agencies have the skills and manpower to investigate such cases.
Meanwhile, Khan's case may be referred to a Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court so that criminal investigations be launched against the suspect. He was remanded to ED's custody on Monday.
The Union finance ministry has sought a fresh round of talk at government level so that the money can be transferred to India.
There has been little progress in this direction in the past few months, said a senior ED officer, who did not wish to be named.
ED also initiated a letter of request to the US, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE on July 13, 2009 to cooperate in overseas inquiry.
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