Proshanta Kumar Halder. File photo

Interpol yesterday issued red notice against Proshanta Kumar Halder, also known as PK Halder, who allegedly laundered over Tk 10,000 crore of four non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) abroad, following a request from Bangladesh Police.

Mohiul Islam, assistant inspector general of National Central Bureau (NCB) at police headquarters (PHQ), confirmed to The Daily Star.

He said they pointed out the probable location of PK Halder and sent documents related to the case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to Interpol.

Other allegations that were brought against Halder were also sent to Interpol, he said, adding, that The International Criminal Police Organization examined the documents and issued red notice.

"The Interpol sent the red notice to its offices in different countries. The red notice will remain valid for next five years," he said.

The announcement came three days after NCB of Bangladesh Police requested Interpol to issue a red notice against Halder.

According to Canadian media reports, Halder is now in Toronto and the director of P&L Hal Holding Inc, a Canadian corporation.

The three other NBFIs from which Halder allegedly embezzled crores of taka are International Leasing and Financial Services Limited (ILFSL), FAS Finance and Investment, and Reliance Finance.

Halder came to limelight during the anti-casino drives in 2019. The ACC launched an investigation into the involvement of 43 people, including him, in the illegal casino business.

The ACC, on January 8 last year, filed a case against Halder on charges of illegally amassing wealth worth Tk 275 crore.

In connection with the graft case, on January 4, the ACC arrested Shankha Bepari, an associate of Halder.

On the following day, the High Court (HC) issued a travel ban against 25 accomplices of Halder, including his mother Lilaboti Halder.

On the last week of December, the ACC seized Halder's two flats and six acres of immovable properties following a court order.

He joined NRB Global Bank as its managing director in 2015.

Several enquiries over embezzlement of crores of taka from NBFIs by Halder are pending with the ACC.

The anti-graft watchdog has summoned seven persons to appear before it this week to face questioning over embezzlement of over Tk 3,500 crore from Peoples' Leasing.