Prashanta Kumar Halder
Prashanta Kumar Halder | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nazirpur Upazila, Pirojpur District, Bangladesh |
| Other names | PK Halder |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, businessman |
| Known for | Major financial scandal involving misappropriation of over 102 billion taka |
Prashanta Kumar Halder, commonly referred to as PK Halder, is a banker and businessman of Bangladeshi-Canadian nationality, infamous for misappropriating funds exceeding 102 billion taka (around $854 million USD as of 2024), constituting one of the most significant financial scandals in Bangladesh's history. The Daily Star labeled him the "Sultan of Swindle."
Early life
Born into a Hindu family in Nazirpur Upazilla, Pirojpur District, Prashanta Kumar Halder is the son of Prananendu Halder and Lilavati Halder, who served as a teacher at a local government school. He is the second-born child, with an elder brother named Pritish Kumar Halder. Both siblings completed their studies at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and subsequently obtained an MBA and CFA from the University of Dhaka.
Career
Halder began his notable career in 2008 when he was named Deputy Managing Director of Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited. The following year, he advanced to managing director at Reliance Finance Limited.
In July 2015, he assumed the position of managing director at NRB Global Bank, which was later renamed Global Islami Bank. He was also the proprietor of HAL International, a company associated with directors linked to International Leasing and Financial Services Limited. Between 2015 and 2019, his cousin Amitav Adhikari along with former associate Uzzal Kumar Nandi occupied influential roles at People's Leasing And Financial Services Limited, aiding Halder in siphoning off millions. Subsequently, Halder ascended to chairman of People's Leasing.
The investigation into Halder’s activities commenced in 2019 after raids targeted illegal casinos in Dhaka. By 2020, Bangladesh Bank revealed that Halder had embezzled nearly 92 billion taka from various financial institutions such as International Leasing, FAS Finance & Investment, People's Leasing, and Reliance Finance. Probes were initiated by both the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Prior to the enforcement of a travel ban in March 2020, Halder escaped to India and later relocated to Canada, where he holds citizenship. He owns P&L Hal Holding Incorporated, a Canadian company established in 2014.
By December 2020, the Anti-Corruption Commission had confiscated his real estate assets in Dhaka. Among his business interests were companies like Aziz Fibre Jute Control and Northern Jute Manufacturing Company. His cousin Amitabh Adhikari joined these enterprises after departing from civil service.
Legal measures escalated in early 2021: associates faced travel restrictions while investigations into money laundering intensified. On 5 April 2021, Halder became embroiled in litigation concerning a hotel project involving Clewiston Foods and Radisson Blue, accused of demanding majority stake ownership as a condition for loan approval. Additionally, the managing director of FAS Finance, an associate of Halder, was prohibited from international travel by Bangladesh Bank. Despite court mandates, Halder refused to return.
In November 2021, formal charges were filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission against Halder and his associates, including his brother Pritish Kumar Halder.
Arrest
In May 2022, Indian law enforcement apprehended PK Halder in Ashoknagar within North 24 Parganas district. At arrest, he possessed passports from Bangladesh, India, and Grenada. The Directorate of Enforcement confirmed that Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice for his capture.