Gang posing as food safety officers busted

TANDLIANWALA:

Ghulam Muhammadabad police arrested the leader of a gang that posed as food safety officers, extorting money from citizens under the pretext of giving jobs.

A case has been registered under various provisions against the leader, his wife, and associates, and an investigation is underway.

Assistant Food Safety Officer Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood has filed a case with the Ghulam Muhammadabad Police, prompted by a complaint from Muneer Ahmed, owner of Malik Point and Tea Stall Raja Chowk, bearing notice number FD5B634125 from the Office of the Provincial Ombudsman Punjab.

According to the complaint, Usman Mahmood, resident of House No. 78B Ghulam Muhammada-bad, allegedly formed a gang of forgers, including his wife Humeera Ashraf and other accomplices. They have been impersonating officers of the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), deceiving citizens and extorting money.

An incident involved Abdul Rehman, a relative of the complainant, who was cheated out of Rs300,000 by Usman under the false promise of securing a job in the Punjab Food Authority.

Usman issued fake recruitment documents, including a letter dated July 17, 2023, with reference number 36980. Additionally, he extorted Rs 15,000 for a medical fitness certificate and Rs 6,000 for degree verification.