Extortion resurfaces in Karachi

91 cases have been reported in the first nine months of the current year

KARACHI:

Extortion has made an alarming resurgence in the metropolitan city, with 91 reported cases in the first nine months of this year. Investigators have traced the roots of the extortion network to Afghanistan, Dubai, and Iran.

Sources have disclosed that extortionists have modified their modus operandi. These nefarious activities are now orchestrated by well-organised gangs that have established five to seven groups of local recruits.

Before sending extortion demands accompanied by bullets, the network's operatives gather information on individuals from various walks of life, including businesspeople, small traders, major dealers, shopkeepers, and builders, the sources told The Express Tribune.

They also target both large and small industrialists, even those from neighbouring countries, resorting to threats to achieve their aims. According to records from the Specialised Security Unit (SIU), they have been tasked with investigating 91 cases this year, with 44 cases already submitted for court proceedings. Out of these, 11 extortion cases have received an "A Class" classification, signifying lack of evidence. No progress has been made in identifying the suspects in these cases.

Two extortion cases, deemed minor, have been classified as "B Class." Similarly, the SIU has designated 10 cases as "C Class," suggesting they may have resulted from misunderstandings.

While police investigations are ongoing in 16 cases, 45 cases are already in trial stage. The SIU has concluded its investigation in eight cases, returning them due to insufficient evidence.

SIU SSP Junaid Shaikh stated that his unit has apprehended 92 suspects in the first nine months of this year, leading to significant breakthrough in the cases. While the local extortion network is not highly organised, this year has been particularly alarming due to certain incidents and the apprehension of suspects, which has revealed connections to an international extortion network.

These international groups are operating from Dubai, Iran, and Afghanistan, and their identities have been pinpointed using advanced technology. Relevant authorities have also been informed about the masterminds behind these groups.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2023.