British American Tobacco faces $30 billion probe over 1971 asset fraud

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating British American Tobacco (BAT) for alleged fraud and money laundering.

The probe examines financial irregularities totaling over Tk3 lakh crore.

These allegations cover a period of 55 years following the country's independence.

Investigators claim BAT fraudulently acquired Pakistan Tobacco Company assets that should have become state property in 1971.

The alleged fraud resulted in estimated national losses between $20 billion and $30 billion.

The ACC is currently gathering information from government offices to determine if legal action is warranted.