ISLAMABAD: A resident of Karachi was abducted near the city’s airport and forced to transfer $8,600 from his digital account in a robbery that has heightened concerns over rising cyber-enabled crimes. The incident occurred on Wednesday night as the victim was traveling to Lahore. How did the kidnappers know the victim had dollars in his bank account? This shows that the criminals were well-informed and had information about their target’s bank accounts.
According to the victim’s father, his son had booked an online taxi for the journey when the driver stopped at a petrol pump during the ride. At that point, four armed suspects traveling in a double-cabin vehicle intercepted them and forcibly took the victim at gunpoint.
The attackers then drove the victim around for more than an hour. During this time, they gained access to his digital account and transferred $8,600. In addition, the suspects confiscated his mobile phone, laptop, and other personal belongings while subjecting him to physical violence.
Subsequently, the assailants abandoned the victim in the Korangi area and fled the scene. The incident has sparked alarm about the growing use of digital platforms for criminal activity, particularly for forced financial transfers.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, the victim’s father alleged that the local airport police station has yet to register a formal complaint. This delay has raised concerns about law enforcement response and the need for stronger measures to address both street crime and digital financial security.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
