Double Shah scam: NAB probe reveals SC advocate involved

Inquiry initiated against Dr Abdul Basit for stashing Rs30 million of the victims’ money in his account.

LAHORE: A NAB investigation has revealed that a Supreme Court advocate is in league with one of Double Shah’s agents, who swindled Rs10.4 billion from 43,000 people.

An inquiry has been initiated against Dr Abdul Basit for stashing Rs30 million of the victims’ money in his account by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Abdul Razaq Dogar, an agent of Double Shah, confessed to receiving Rs140 million from 32 people during interrogation by the Investigation Wing II of NAB Punjab. He subsequently gave Rs30 million to the advocate as trust (Amaanat). Double Shah, a con man in saintly disguise, relieved people of their money by promising them he would double their cash.

Dogar cited an affidavit signed by Dr Basit as evidence of the transaction.

He has recorded his statement in court and submitted an affidavit in affirmation of his testimony.

Dr Basit has taken the stance that he will make refunds to the affected people from the money in his possession.

Dogar has offered to return Rs110 million to NAB in his plea bargain while the remaining amount he said should be recovered from Dr Basit.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2010.