Legal action initiated against fraudsters
In an effort to protect citizens from falling victim to visa fraud and financial deceit, Islamabad police have initiated legal proceedings against individuals engaged in fraudulent activities, particularly those preying on citizens by falsely promising to facilitate their visa applications for Dubai.
The capital police have taken several individuals into custody.
According to sources, the Islamabad Capital City Police officer (ICCPO) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has made it clear that a crackdown against these criminals is essential to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
The accused had been luring citizens with the promise of facilitating United Arab Emirates visas and had fraudulently obtained money from them.
The Aabpara police acted upon receiving a complaint from a citizen who had fallen victim to a cash scam after being duped with false assurances of being sent to Dubai.
A case was promptly registered, resulting in the apprehension of the main culprits.
It is vital for the public to be informed that the UAE Embassy in Islamabad and the UAE Consulate charge a fee of $69 for visa processing and $41 for document verification. No additional fees are imposed on citizens. Moreover, it is strictly prohibited for any individual or entity, except authorised companies approved by the UAE Embassy, to collect money for visa-related purposes.
On the other hand, the Punjab police, with the assistance of Interpol, have apprehended a wanted individual linked to a fraud and cheating case. According to sources, the suspect, identified as Abdul Jabbar, had eluded authorities by fleeing abroad after committing the alleged fraud in Narowal. Subsequently, legal proceedings led to him being declared a proclaimed offender.
Sources said the Narowal police engaged FIA and Interpol to secure the arrest and extradition of the accused. A red notice was subsequently issued to facilitate the apprehension of Abdul Jabbar.
The suspect was successfully arrested in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following the arrest, stringent security measures were put in place as the accused was transferred from Saudi Arabia to Islamabad Airport.
After completing the necessary legal formalities, Abdul Jabbar was handed over to Narowal police officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2023.