Security for money laundering accused in UK increased

LONDON: Scotland Yard has stepped up security of several characters involved in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)-related money laundering case acting on its own intelligence over backlash which emerged after Sarfraz Merchant confirmed that the police document leaked to Pakistani media in reference to the money laundering investigation was genuine.
Sarfraz Merchant, who originates from Karachi, lives in London and remains on the police bail along with the senior MQM leaders who are being investigated for the money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002.
Geo News has learnt that the officers from the counter terrorism branch of the Metropolitan Police visited apartment of Sarfraz Merchant three times in two days and checked security arrangements. Scotland Yard, when contacted, refused to comment but a source living in the same apartment block confirmed to this correspondent that the officers were seen entering the flat of Mr Merchant on “several occasions”.
This correspondent has learnt from sources that counter terrorism officers also visited house of Muhammad Anwar and Tariq Mir and asked if they were concerned about their safety. Officers also visited the MQM International Secretariat, a trusted source who saw the officers confirmed to this correspondent.
The source said that the police visibility - in civilian clothes and uniform - has gone up in the area where Sarfraz Merchant lives. It’s also believed that the police have collected CCTV footage from inside and around the block of flats where Mr Merchant lives.
When contacted, Sarfraz Merchant didn’t specify but said that he had serious security fears and that he had shared details with the police. “The police must have their own ways of finding out things in such cases. I have faced a lot of backlash over the last few weeks, especially after the document was leaked by someone. I have informed the police as to who may have leaked this document to cause damage to me. My prime concern is my own security and my family’s security in Karachi. I have shared with the police what these concerns are.”
Officers told the MQM leaders and the Secretariat officials that they will increase their presence in the areas around their houses and the office. A senior MQM official told this correspondent seeking anonymity that the police officers were concerned as the political firestorm initiated over the leaks. “We understand it’s part of their routine response to such events but we told them we were fine and didn’t need extra security in place. However, the police can do whatever it likes in determining what it feels to be the right approach.”
The police officers first visited the house of Tariq Mir when a document surfaced on the Internet claiming that he had been interviewed in 2012 under caution in which he accepted taking funds from the Indian government sources.
Sarfraz Merchant caused a storm when he confirmed to Geo News that the leaked paper on 1st July - a ‘pre interview briefing’ paper dated 1st April 2015 and carrying the name of Sarfarz Merchant - was a genuine document which the police had prepared for his solicitor on the day he answered his bail at the Belgravia police station.
The paper said: “The document stated that Mr Merchant was arrested on 5th December 2013 for the offence of money laundering in relation to an investigation being conducted into funds held or controlled by the MQM political party.
It continued: “Large amounts of cash have been seized from premises associated with the MQM and significant amounts of assets have been identified in the United Kingdom. All or part of the cash and assets are believed to represent funds provided to MQM by the Indian government or other unlawful activity. There is evidence that Mr Altaf Hussian and members of the MQM have breached Pakistani electoral legislation in as much as they have received ‘prohibited’ funds from the Indian government. This also constitutes breaches of criminal offence under Pakistan and UK legislation thereby making the cash and assets criminal property. Interviews under caution were conducted with Tariq Mir and Muhammad Anwar in 2012 in relation to a separate investigation. During the interview Mr Mir and Mr Anwar stated that MQM was receiving funding from the Indian government.
Sarfraz Merchant told Geo News he had nothing to do with politics. “I only confirmed that this document was genuine because I spoke the truth. It’s prepared by the police, not by me and if anyone has objections to its contents then they should ask the police, not me. I have not given any statement against any individual or party.”