ACC drive: Over 1,500 luxury items found in former Land Minister’s flates

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has cataloged over 1,500 luxury and household items during a two-day inventory drive at two flats belonging to former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed in Gulshan, the capital. The operation was carried out after unlocking the sealed apartments following a court order.

According to the ACC's preliminary assessment, a total of 1,535 items across 269 categories were documented in flats A-7 and B-7 of a building in North West (B) Block of Gulshan-2. Around 1,135 items were found in flat A-7, while flat B-7 contained approximately 400 items.

A massive collection of apparel and personal effects drew the most attention. The two flats contained 532 ties, 193 suits, five overcoats, 53 trousers, 91 shirts, 13 panjabis, and 100 used salwar-kameez sets. A single black suitcase alone yielded 102 ties.

Additionally, boxes and accessories from various world-renowned luxury watch brands were discovered in the apartments. The inventory list features multiple boxes from brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet, Parmigiani Fleurier, and L.U.C. While one unused watch was found inside a Rolex box, most of the other luxury watch boxes were empty.

The ACC stated that the actual value and ownership of these items would be verified by examining recovered purchase receipts, serial numbers, and other documents. The commission cautioned against concluding that the watches were present in the flats simply because their boxes were found.

The inventory also included pearl necklaces, designer shoes and clothing, branded shopping bags, large televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, a treadmill, sound systems, Italian furniture, chandeliers, paintings, sculptures, golf clubs, and a vast quantity of household goods.

Led by ACC Deputy Director Md. Mashiur Rahman, the investigative team compiled the list on Sunday and Monday in compliance with court directives. ACC officials, representatives from the asset management unit, an executive magistrate, police personnel, and the building management authority were present during the drive.

The ACC noted that the total market value of the seized goods has not yet been determined. Following a proper evaluation, investigators will examine the ownership of the assets, the sources of funding, and whether these possessions correlate with the allegations in the ongoing cases. The agency clarified that including an item in the inventory does not automatically render it illegal, as the final determination rests upon further investigation and court verdicts.

Previously, the two flats in Gulshan, spanning approximately 7,579 square feet, were attached under a court order. Multiple investigations and cases by the ACC regarding the domestic and international assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury remain ongoing and are currently under judicial review.