Another suspect netted for FIA treasury heist

Rawalpindi police arrested a suspect, Muhammad Naeem, and recovered Rs25 million from his possession.

Naeem was involved with Mandira police station SHO Inspector Malik Yasir Awan and fellow constable Asad Mehmood in embezzling and stealing foreign currency worth more than Rs100 million from the treasury of FIA Zonal Office Commercial Banking Circle Islamabad. A total of Rs90.6 million has been recovered so far.

The police, in collaboration with the Mandira police, have arrested a third suspect, Muhammad Naeem, a private citizen and alleged friend of the SHO and head constable, for his involvement in the embezzlement of currency.

An amount of Rs25 million was recovered from the possession of Muhammad Naeem, belonging to Attock.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that Muhammad Naeem had a close friendship with Head Constable Asad Mehmood, which also led to a close association with SHO Inspector Malik Yasir Awan.

The officer stated that Naeem was frequently seen at the police station, often in the company of the two officials.

On the day of the incident, when the money was stolen and embezzled from the police station, Naeem also stayed with the two police officers.

The police have made significant progress in recovering the embezzled funds, with Rs0.5 million recovered from SHO Mandira Inspector Yasir Awan, Rs15.1 million from Head Constable Asad Mahmood, and a substantial amount of Rs25 million from Naeem.

The investigation is still ongoing, with Rs10 million yet to be accounted for. The other seven police officers and staff named in the FIR have not been discharged yet. Further investigation is underway.