NICL scam: Ex-FIA chief’s exemption request turned down

Investigation team probing the NICL scam rejects Waseem Ahmed’s request to exempt him from the investigation process.

LAHORE:

The investigation team probing the National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) scam has rejected former director-general (DG) Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Waseem Ahmed’s request to exempt him from the investigation process.

Ahmed failed to appear before the investigation team in person on Tuesday, but dispatched a written reply requesting the team to exempt him. The investigation team however rejected the former FIA chief’s request.

Additional Director General FIA Zafar Ahmed Qureshi told The Express Tribune that Ahmed’s written reply is not satisfactory as there are several ambiguities that need clarification. He added that Ahmed will be summoned again to appear in person.

Meanwhile according to FIA sources, an amount of Rs320 million was transferred to Moonis Elahi’s foreign accounts between September and December 2010, while almost the same amount was withdrawn by the manager of Elahi’s company during April to May last year through two fake accounts.

Sources in the FIA have also revealed that an amount of Rs35 million was withdrawn by Elahi’s family member while Elahi was abroad. Investigators say this amount was sent abroad through Hawala/Hundi. Additional DG FIA Zafar Ahmed Qureshi, said a report has almost has been finalised and will be submitted before the Supreme Court on April 14.



Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2011.