KARACHI: A reported robbery involving Rs375 million (Rs3.75 crore) took a dramatic turn on Friday after police revealed that the complainant, an accountant employed by a foreign woman, had allegedly staged the incident to misappropriate his employer’s money.
According to police, Gizri police uncovered the staged robbery and arrested the accountant, identified as Hanif, on suspicion of orchestrating the crime. Police also recovered Rs250 million (Rs2.5 crore), while efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount.
DIG South Syed Asad Raza said Hanif had allegedly handed over the money to an accomplice. He added that the accountant was initially taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of his involvement.
Police officials said the accountant had withdrawn Rs375 million from a bank on I.I. Chundrigar Road before reporting that two motorcycle riders had intercepted him in Gizri and snatched his bag before fleeing.
Investigators further revealed that the foreign woman had hired Hanif only recently. She had initially instructed him to cash a cheque worth Rs100 million (Rs1 crore) and hand the amount over to a businessman identified as Essa. However, the accountant allegedly encashed additional cheques without her authorisation.
The police said the woman is involved in the meat export business and is currently residing in Islamabad. Raids are being conducted to recover the remaining money and arrest other individuals involved in the case.
Read More: Man arrested over alleged staged rape and robbery case in Multan
Earlier, Multan Police arrested a man accused of masterminding a staged rape and robbery incident in the Shah Shams area.
The suspect, identified as Abid, allegedly arranged for a couple to stage the incident in an attempt to implicate a business rival in a criminal case, according to a police spokesperson.
Police said the plan was agreed for Rs.200,000, for which Abid paid Rs.30,000 in advance.
Investigators said technical evidence, preliminary medical examinations and other evidence indicated that the incident had been fabricated.
