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The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to 204 individuals and organisations, including former MPs and ministers, over allegations of financing labour protests.
The revenue authority issued the directive on Thursday (November 5).
Under the order, transactions in the listed bank accounts will be restricted, and the concerned banks have been instructed to take necessary measures to implement the directive.
The 204 individuals and organisations reportedly include former lawmakers and ministers, as well as various business entities.
However, the full names of those listed, their former political and administrative positions, and details of the organisations concerned have not yet been disclosed. Information about the banks where they hold accounts is also unavailable.
The action was taken over allegations of financing labour protests. The move is reportedly linked to inquiries into the sources of funding, financial transactions and the roles of the individuals and organisations concerned.
An order to freeze a bank account generally prevents account holders from making regular withdrawals, transferring funds or conducting other transactions.
However, details about the types of accounts covered by the directive and how long the restrictions will remain in force are yet to be known.
It is also unclear whether the order covers all bank accounts held by the individuals and organisations concerned.
The inclusion of former MPs and ministers has drawn particular attention to the move and raised questions about the financial transactions of those allegedly involved in funding the protests.
A bank account freeze does not, however, establish the guilt of any individual or organisation. The allegations will need to be verified through investigation.
The NBR has yet to disclose the full list of 204 individuals and organisations, details of the alleged funding activities or further steps following the directive.
