Fake cop gang busted

Islamabad Police claimed on Friday to have arrested two suspected members of a gang accused of impersonating police and other government officials to rob members of the public, following a series of complaints from citizens.

The suspects, both of whom reportedly have previous criminal records, are alleged to have posed as police officers and government officials while carrying out armed robberies.

Karachi Company Police said a female suspect, who is believed to have played a key role in the gang's operations, has also been arrested and sent to judicial remand, while the two male suspects remain in police custody for further investigation.

Police sources said the gang allegedly targeted motorists travelling towards the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Female members of the group reportedly dressed in nurses' uniforms and asked passing motorists for lifts.

Once inside a vehicle, other gang members would allegedly intercept the motorist a short distance away, accuse the driver of attempting to abduct or assault the woman, and identify themselves as police officers or officials of a government agency.

The suspects allegedly displayed firearms and wireless communication sets to reinforce their false identities before assaulting and intimidating their victims.

During the confrontation, the female accomplice would leave the vehicle, increasing pressure on the victim. The gang then allegedly threatened to register criminal cases and take the victims to a police station unless they surrendered cash, mobile phones and other valuables. Police said the suspects were arrested during a targeted operation after investigators laid a trap based on multiple complaints from members of the public.

During the operation, police recovered cash worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, firearms and wireless sets allegedly used by the suspects to impersonate law enforcement personnel.

According to police, the suspects are wanted in connection with several similar incidents. During preliminary interrogation, they allegedly confessed to committing multiple robberies.