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IG Sindh Forms Committee to Investigate Digital Robbery and Kidnapping by CTD Officials
IG Sindh forms high-level committee to investigate digital robbery and kidnapping linked to CTD officers. Probing manipulation of digital currency and CTD involvement.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-08
IG Sindh Forms Committee to Investigate Digital Robbery and Kidnapping by CTD Officials

In a decisive move following the shocking revelation of a digital robbery and kidnapping scheme involving officers from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon has formed a high-level investigation committee to probe the matter thoroughly.

The investigation will focus on the role of CTD officers in manipulating digital currency and their involvement in the kidnapping of citizens. The committee, which will be chaired by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Criminal Investigation Agency (CIA), has been tasked with investigating the illegal activities tied to short-term kidnappings and cryptocurrency theft.

Action Against Corrupt CTD Officers

The investigation was triggered after an official report highlighted that CTD officers, including Raja Umar Khattab and Raja Farrukh, were allegedly involved in criminal activities such as short-term kidnappings and digital currency thefts. The IG Sindh took immediate action, removing both officers from their posts within the CTD, citing their involvement in recent illegal activities.

In a notification issued by the IG Sindh’s office, both Raja Umar Khattab, the former CTD officer, and CPEC DSP Raja Farrukh were directed to report to the Central Police Office. The notification also indicated that mobile phones were being used in the kidnappings, where the victims were forced to transfer significant amounts of money, including in cryptocurrency, often through Bitcoin transactions.

Investigation into Short-Term Kidnapping and Cryptocurrency Theft

According to reports, the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) of Karachi arrested seven individuals, including a CTD officer, in connection with the kidnapping of a cryptocurrency dealer. The victim, identified as Arsalan, was abducted on December 25, 2024, from the Manghopir area in Karachi by the kidnappers using a police mobile. The kidnappers then transported him to the Saddar area, where they drained $340,000 from his cryptocurrency account.

Following the robbery, the kidnappers released Arsalan near the Quaid-e-Azam shrine, leaving him stranded. The AVCC, which had been investigating the case, made swift arrests, including that of one CTD officer, and began uncovering more details about the alleged involvement of other police officers.

Committee's Role and Future Action

The newly-formed committee will review all available evidence, including the roles of DSPs Raja Umar Khattab and Raja Farrukh in the case. As part of the investigation, the committee will also examine the details of the raids conducted by the CTD police party and determine the full extent of the officers’ involvement in these crimes.

Once the investigation is concluded, the committee will finalize the report and submit it to IG Sindh for further action. The IG Sindh has made it clear that any officers found guilty of criminal activities will face strict disciplinary measures.

Broader Implications for Police Integrity

The incident has raised serious questions about the integrity of the CTD and its ability to function as a law enforcement agency. The involvement of police officers in such high-profile crimes undermines the public's trust in the justice system and calls for urgent reforms in police oversight. The Sindh government is expected to take additional measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The ongoing investigation is likely to have wider implications for policing practices and could lead to more scrutiny on other departments suspected of corruption or criminal activity.

Conclusion

The formation of the high-level investigation committee by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon marks a crucial step in addressing the corruption within the CTD and ensuring accountability for criminal activities carried out by law enforcement officers. With Karachi already grappling with rising crime rates, the successful prosecution of those involved in the digital robbery and kidnapping scandal will be essential in restoring public confidence in the police force.
Tagged:

CTD

Investigation

SindhPolice

IGSindh

KarachiCrime

DigitalRobbery
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