Police bust fraud gangs, recover record millions

Biggest cash seizure in city's history; seven suspects arrested

LAHORE:

Police's Organised Crime Unit has arrested seven members of three gangs involved in fraud and seized nearly Rs240 million in cash—the largest single seizure in the city's history, officials announced on Saturday.

The arrests were announced during a press conference held in Model Town by DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza and DSP Chaudhry Faisal Sharif, who led the high-stakes operation.

The accused—Shahid Akram (ringleader), Aamir Ali, Nazeer Ahmed, Khalid Mahmood, Khizar Hayat, Imran Shah, and Talat Butt — allegedly secured jobs in reputable companies, committed large-scale frauds, and vanished without a trace.

Along with the cash recovery, police also seized clothing worth Rs1.8 million, with more recoveries expected as investigations unfold.

DIG Raza credited the success of the operation to the use of advanced technology and collaboration with IT experts, calling it a "complex case" that required meticulous planning and execution.

DSP Sharif said that the suspects would face the full force of the law, with the prosecution already working to build a strong case for conviction.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks.

Meanwhile, nine police officials were handed down penalties for misconduct. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran presided over the weekly Orderly Room at Police Lines, where he reviewed the performance, discipline and conduct of personnel.

According to the spokesperson, 19 officials were punished for negligence, carelessness, corruption and misuse of authority. Three appeals against previous disciplinary actions were rejected.

The DIG stated that an effective and transparent self-accountability system was in place in the department. Over the past 11 months, 357 personnel have faced departmental action, including dismissal of four inspectors, three sub-inspectors and 10 other officials.