Special Court seeks record for declaring Moonis Elahi’s absconder in money laundering case

Lahore’s Special Court (Central) on Tuesday sought the record of the proceedings of declaring the former chief minister's son Moonis Elahi as a proclaimed offender in the money laundering case, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Special Court Judge Fakhr Bakht Behzad heard the proceedings on the money laundering case against Chaudhry Munis Elahi and others.

Moonis has been nominated absconder after he fled the country. Moonis is currently living in Spain.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had lodged a case against Elahi and his son over alleged money laundering in the Panama scandal which had revealed the businesses.

They are accused of concealing billions of rupees in five Panamanian firms. Elahi allegedly purchased companies in Panama and there was evidence of illegal transfer of money abroad, according to FIA sources.

During the proceedings, the court expressed its displeasure at how it declared the accused as an absconder without issuing a notice.

The FIA investigating officer appeared before the court. 

Under which law has Moonis been declared as proclaimed offender advertising? asked the learned judge.  

The court further asked how was an arrest warrant issued without sending a notice before.

“Why was the challan of the remaining accused not presented?”

The investigating officer replied that the rest of the accused had obtained interim bails. The court directed the officer to bring their bail orders.

The court also sought the FIA for necessary documents related to Moonis Elahi’s case.   

The court expressed its displeasure for not presenting the complete record by FIA.

 The court directed the authorities to present the complete record on the next date. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till August 5.