'No Chinese link to Bangladeshi reserve heist'

The Chinese authorities on Wednesday refused the allegations by a Filipino senator that some of the Chinese people were ‘possibly’ involved in the routing of the stolen funds from Bangladesh Bank accounts in the US through Manila.

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lu Kang, has rejected any link with the central bank fund heist, in a regular press conference today.

 

'China's stance on cyber attack and hackers is consistent,' he told reporters at that time.

 

Talking to newsmen in Beijing, he also said, 'We stand for an open, secure, cooperative and peaceful cyberspace. The Chinese government is resolute in fighting hacking activities.'

 

'We have been stressing that anyone should be fully equipped with solid evidence before making accusations,' the spokesperson also added.

 

Lu Kang also warned, 'Speculative remarks made up of "possible" and "maybe" are highly irresponsible and counterproductive to cyberspace cooperation among countries.'

 

Earlier today, the Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes on Tuesday, April 5, had demanded the immediate turnover of the $4.63 million and P38.28 million ($830,595.50) returned by casino junket agent Kim Wong – a total of around $5.46 million.

 

It will "take a little time" before the central bank of Bangladesh, he said.

 

The $5.46 million, which was delivered to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for safekeeping, is just about 7% of the $81 million stolen from Bangladesh Bank's account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, according to Rappler.

 

"The turnover will take a little time, but we are working with AMLC for expediting the process," Gomes told Rappler in a text message, saying his camp "will meet with AMLC" regarding the status of the returned funds.

 

The hacking took place on the night of February 4, a Thursday, using information stolen through the malware, which sent a total of 35 transfer orders to the NY Federal Reserve Bank where the BB has an account. The next two days – Friday and Saturday – were weekend in Bangladesh.