Police arrest foreign-based gang involved in extortion, killings of doctors in Karachi

At least three gangs in South Africa and one in Afghanistan involved in extorting millions from doctors, hospitals

KARACHI: Police claimed on Monday to have arrested a South Africa-based gang allegedly involved in extortion and killings of doctors in Karachi.

“The gang was being operated from South Africa, which threatened and collected extortion money from doctors, surgeons and pharmaceutical companies in Karachi,” West Zone and Central Police chief Feroz Shah said during a press conference. “They have extorted millions, and killed several doctors in Karachi over refusal to pay the ransom amount.”

At least three gangs based in South Africa, and one operating from Afghanistan, were involved in extorting million, and one such gang had been busted by the police.

Read: Two doctors gunned down in Karachi

DIG Shah said the police traced members of the gang and arrested three of them during a raid on a tip-off at their hideout in Khawaja Ajmair Nagri locality of the city.

Another gang member was arrested from Jauharabad on the basis of information provided by the arrested companions, Shah said, adding that the police also recovered computers, extortion slips and weapons from their possession.

Cases against those arrested were registered whereas further investigation is under way, added Shah.