Altaf Hussain arrested on suspicion of money-laundering

LONDON: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain was arrested dramatically at his home in North West London, according to the Scotland Yard and the MQM.

Scotland Yard confirmed that a 60 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering but did not name Altaf Hussain.

Geo was the first channel to break the news of the arrest exclusively when sources within the MQM and the police confirmed that it was Altaf Hussain who had been arrested. The police confirmed the news officially at least an hour after Geo broke the news.

Geo was again the first channel to film the North London property of Altaf Hussain being searched by around three dozen detectives from the Specialist Operations Unit.

Detectives confirmed to The News that the operation began at 5:30am and all members of the household were asked to leave the property and Hussain was arrested.

A British citizen, Altaf Hussain has lived in exile in the UK since 1991 after he fled Karachi and sought asylum here. He has been attacked in Karachi several times before he left Pakistan.

Initially the MQM denied the news of the arrest and issued several denials but later on issued a detailed press release and accepted that Hussain had been arrested.

Said MQM on Tuesday afternoon: “Mr Altaf Hussain has been taken to the police station where the Police doctor will examine his health and decide if Mr Hussain is fit to be interviewed. Mr Altaf Hussain is at present in the police station.”

The MQM said the Metropolitan Police arrived at the residence of Mr Altaf Hussain in North London. “They had the search warrant and said that they want to arrest Mr Hussain and take him to the police station where he will be questioned about money laundering investigation.

“We would like to inform that Mr Hussain has been very ill for past several days and only yesterday the MQM Central Coordination Committee discussed his health situation and contacted his personal doctor. The doctor visited the residence of Mr Hussain and examined him. He advised to shift him to the hospital. He also consulted with various specialist consultants and it was decided that today, i.e. Tuesday, in the morning Mr Hussain will be admitted to a London Hospital where he will undergo treatment for the next few days.”

“Today, Mr Hussain was getting ready for the hospital when the police arrived at his house and informed him that he is being arrested for investigation.”

Scotland Yard confirmed late on Tuesday that Hussain has been taken to hospital for previously scheduled medical appointment.

“The arrest took place at a residential address in NW London. Officers are at present searching the address. The man has an existing medical condition and we will ensure that he attends pre-arranged hospital appointments today. He will remain in the custody of officers throughout.”