Pakistan seeks extradition of man connected in $850m embezzlement case

DUBAI// Pakistani investigators looking into a US$850 million embezzlement case involving the former head of Pakistan's oil and gas regulator have sent extradition documents to UAE authorities.

The paperwork from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) relating to Tauqir Sadiq was delivered to officials at the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday by staff from Pakistan's Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Sadiq has been in police custody in the capital since his arrest on December 29.

Mr Sadiq is accused of taking kickbacks and commission worth more than Dh3 billion during his time as head of Pakistan's Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority between 2009 and 2011.

Speaking to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) an official at Pakistan's embassy said: "With the efforts of the embassy, the accused Tauqir Sadiq is under detention with the UAE authorities.

"The extradition process legally and diplomatically commenced on Sunday."

Embassy and NAB officers attested the papers before they were delivered. Officials at the embassy hope to get a decision from the Foreign Ministry soon.

The charges against Mr Sadiq could also lead to a criminal case against Pakistan's Prime Minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Mr Ashraf was water and power minister during Mr Sadiq's time as oil and gas regulator. Mr Sadiq fled Pakistan a year ago.

nhanif@thenational.ae