A Karachi resident has alleged that he was robbed of $850,000 worth of digital currency after his mobile phone was forcibly taken by unidentified men at the Jinnah International Airport last month. The incident, which took place on September 30, has raised serious questions about security and the handling of digital assets in Pakistan.
According to the complaint filed in the District and Sessions Court, Malir, the victim, Faiz Yab, a resident of Keamari, was on his way to Peshawar when two men in plain clothes intercepted him at the airport. He claimed that he was taken to a nearby office where his mobile device — which contained access credentials to his digital wallet — was confiscated.
Shortly after the alleged detention, Yab said that $850,000 in digital currency was transferred from his account without authorization. When he approached the airport police station to file a complaint, officers reportedly refused to register an FIR. Left with no other recourse, the victim petitioned the court for justice and personal protection.
Court Orders Investigation; Victim Fears CCTV Evidence May Be Tampered With
Following the petition, the court ordered SSP Malir to assign a DSP-ranked officer to lead a detailed investigation into the case and submit a formal report. The police have since presented a sealed report and a USB containing preliminary evidence to the court.
In a separate letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Sindh High Court chief justice, and senior police officials, Yab alleged that he had been unlawfully detained and that his digital wallet was accessed during that time. He further claimed that certain suspects had contacted him, threatening to destroy the CCTV footage related to the incident.
The victim expressed fears that the airport CCTV recordings, which are preserved for 28 to 30 days, could be tampered with. He urged the authorities to ensure that the footage be secured and forensically verified by either the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) or the Nadra video laboratory to confirm its authenticity.
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation has been launched, and Yab’s statement will be recorded in the coming days. The case highlights growing concerns about cybercrime and digital asset security in Pakistan, as incidents involving cryptocurrency theft continue to emerge nationwide.
