Extortion ring dismantled: police

Police have dismantled a criminal network involved in a recent surge of extortion cases across the metropolis. One suspect was killed in an encounter, while several others have been apprehended.

Police are intensifying efforts to capture remaining key suspects, including one suspect for whom a Red Notice has been issued.

According to SSP SIU Muhammad Shoaib Memon, extortion-related crimes escalated in New Karachi starting March this year. Criminals targeted local businesses and residents, demanding money through threatening slips and WhatsApp calls. Those who resisted or delayed payments faced violent retaliation, including armed attacks on their shops, residences, and workplaces.

During the last 10 days of Ramazan, a citizen, Abdul Jabbar, was fatally shot at a charity Dastarkhwan.

On 16 July, a rickshaw driver was killed and six others injured in Surjani Town in another extortion-related shooting.

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) launched a targeted operation to dismantle the extortion network. Investigations revealed that Wasiullah Lakho, operating from Iran, was orchestrating the gang's activities through Abdul Samad Kathiawari.