Castles in the Sand: Politicians in Dubai Leaks (Detailed Breakdown)
This article delves into the "Dubai leaks," a massive data dump revealing real estate ownership in Dubai by prominent individuals, including Pakistani politicians and businessmen.
Key Points:
- The data leak covers property ownership up to spring 2022.
- Many elected officials and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) appear on the list.
- The data offers a snapshot, not a complete picture of Pakistani property ownership in Dubai.
Politicians Owning Dubai Property:
- President Zardari's Children: Bakhtawar, Bilawal, and Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari own four properties combined, including a penthouse in 23 Marina. Aseefa claims all her Dubai assets are declared to Pakistani authorities.
- Ghulam Abbas Zardari and Hamid Samoo: Linked to properties mentioned in the JIT report on alleged money laundering. Mr. Abbas reportedly owns a villa in Al-Furjan, while Mr. Samoo owns an apartment. Neither responded to requests for comment.
- Haji Haroon: Listed as a top owner with over 250 properties in late 2019/early 2020. He has figured in money laundering investigations but not been convicted. Haroon did not respond to requests for comment.
Businessmen in the Leaks:
- Khanani Family: Considered to run the biggest hawala money laundering operation. Altaf Khanani was convicted and blacklisted by the US. Obaid Khanani and family own at least seven properties currently.
- Atif Abdul Aziz Polani: Blacklisted by the US for money laundering with the Khananis. He owns eight Dubai properties, including villas.
- Mirza Ikhtiar Baig: PPP MNA, owns around two dozen properties with his brother and spouse. He claims his company and properties are declared and taxes are paid.
- Sharjeel Memon: Sindh Information Minister, owns five properties with his wife. He says all assets and income are declared.
Other Notable Names:
- Mohsin Naqvi's Wife: Owned a villa in Arabian Ranches Palma, sold in 2023. She claims it's declared in her tax returns and a new property was purchased in January 2024.
- Owais Muzaffar (Tappi): Owns two properties with his spouse, including a villa recently sold for a significant profit.
- Hussain Nawaz (Nawaz Sharif's Son): Owns a one-bedroom apartment bought in 2002/3.
- Ehsanul Haq Bajwa (PML-N MNA): Owns multiple properties, including a villa and apartments in Emirates Gardens. He did not respond to requests for comment.
- Balochistan Politicians: Former Chief Minister Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, his wife, and daughter Izbal Zehri own luxury properties. Mr. Zehri did not respond to requests for comment.
- Sardar Akhtar Mengal: Owns a one-bedroom apartment.
- Faisal Vawda (Former PTI Leader): Owns a studio apartment and his daughter owns another. He claims his properties and income are declared.
- Shaukat Aziz (Former Prime Minister): Owns a three-bedroom apartment in Burj Vista Tower. It's unclear if he still owns another property in Lakes Hattan II. He did not respond to requests for comment.
- Bahria Town Family: Malik Riaz's wife, Bina Riaz, owned numerous apartments sold since the leak. Her son and son-in-law are also listed as owners. Neither responded to requests for comment.
- Saad Siddique Bajwa (Son of Retired General): Owns an apartment currently mortgaged. His brother transferred it to him in December 2020.
Additional Information:
- The article mentions other prominent individuals named in the leaks, including former officials and media personalities.
- This is part of a series on "Dubai Unlocked," investigating Pakistani connections in Dubai.
Note: This breakdown omits details about specific property values, rental income, and legalities surrounding ownership.
