Honey-trapping

Honey-trapping people and kidnapping them for ransom was already common in Sindh and has now been adopted by gangs in parts of Punjab. Since September last year, five cases of abduction for ransom have been reported in Lahore. The suspects are believed to be based in riverine areas along the banks of the Indus River, which spans up to hundreds of kilometres in Sindh and South Punjab.

Victims are usually lured by suspects with the promise of cheap tractors, livestock and other things. Female voices are also used to build romantic relationships and entice victims to visit the area. Over time, such tactics have become more convincing due to the use of digital devices and tools to create fake profiles on social media applications. The criminal-minded have exploited vulnerable people, but what is alarming is people’s inclination to fall for such tactics. Even though it is now much easier to identify fake profiles or track people through their online activity, most people lack awareness about cyber scams and fraud. Users do not verify information or advertisements before providing their personal details or paying a visit to criminals.

This rising crime needs to be nipped in the bud as criminal-minded individuals and groups across the country can use honey-trapping to lure the more vulnerable segments of society including women and children. In south Punjab, the regional police office has already initiated an awareness campaign to make the public aware of kidnapping through honey traps. Perhaps, the Federal Investigation Agency can lend the local police a helping hand in trying to trace criminals and enable victims to report individuals who they suspect of honey-trapping. Besides raising awareness about honey traps, people need to be informed about online safety. Tailored campaigns should be initiated to discourage people from communicating or meeting with strangers, particularly those who are promising them something.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20^th, 2023.

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