Police bust gang targeting Afghan refugees

PESHAWAR:

Police have uncovered a gang that was targeting Afghan refugees, posing as officials from sensitive agencies to rob foreign nationals and their female companions visiting hospitals in Peshawar for treatment. Authorities recovered over Rs1.9 million in both local and foreign currencies from the gang.

During a press conference, ASP Hayatabad Muhammad Junaid Kharl, alongside SHO Kamran Marwat, stated that the gang had been operating in affluent areas of Hayatabad, luring unsuspecting foreigners into vehicles and intimidating them with claims that their passports, visas, and other documents were forged. The investigation began after complaints from Afghan citizens, including Mohammad Salah and Towab Rehman, regarding thefts of money, mobile phones, and valuables.

The gang members, identified as Abdul Khaliq from Abshar Colony, Shamsur Rehman from Tehkal Payan, and Farooq from WAPDA Town, were traced through CCTV footage and scientific investigative methods. The criminals frequently used rental cars to commit their crimes and had long-standing records, including 17 cases of forgery in Islamabad, with three cases listing them as wanted; they had repeatedly secured bail to evade imprisonment.

In addition to Peshawar, the gang also targeted Afghan nationals near hospitals in Islamabad. From their possession, police recovered $500, 1,300 dirhams, 28,000 Afghanis, and Rs1.61 million. ASP Kharl confirmed that victims who had lodged complaints would be reimbursed, while efforts continue to return stolen money and property to other affected individuals. Two suspects have been sent to jail after investigation, while inquiries into the third are ongoing.