Rosatom rejects allegations of Hasina’s embezzling $5b from RNPP

Russia's state nuclear agency, Rosatom, has strongly denied reports that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embezzled $5 billion from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) project, with the help of the agency.

In a statement released on Monday, August 19, Rosatom dismissed the allegations as baseless and stated its readiness to take legal action to protect its reputation and interests.

"Rosatom rejects the provocative news published and circulated in the media regarding unethical financial transactions in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. We are committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes," the statement read.

The agency emphasised that all business processes are subject to regular external audits, ensuring transparency and accountability. 

"We view the false information published and circulated in the media as an attempt to discredit the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, which is vital for addressing Bangladesh's electricity shortage and improving the welfare of its people," Rosatom added.

The allegations originated from a website called Global Defense Corp, which claimed that former Prime Minister Hasina, with assistance from her son Sajib Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddique, embezzled $5 billion (approximately Tk 59 thousand crores) from the RNPP project. The report, however, did not provide any sources for its claims.

Global Defense Corp, launched in 2018, is a portal known for investigating corruption in the military and defense sectors across various countries.