In a startling case of criminal transformation, Karachi police have apprehended a former driver who turned to extortion, terrorizing local businessmen with threatening phone calls over a three-month period. The accused, identified as Muhammad Asif, was arrested from the city's Gulshan-e-Iqbal area following an intensive investigation.
From Driver to Criminal Mastermind
The investigation revealed that Asif, who previously worked as a driver for various businessmen, used his insider knowledge of the business community to launch his extortion scheme. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East Syed Abdul Rahim Sherazi, the accused began his criminal activities approximately three months ago, specifically targeting businessmen who could potentially pay large sums of money.
The accused made his first major extortion attempt by demanding Rs500,000 from a businessman, threatening severe consequences if the amount wasn't paid. Police officials confirmed that Asif used multiple illegal SIM cards to make these threatening calls, attempting to conceal his identity while instilling fear in his victims.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement agencies became involved when one of the targeted businessmen filed a formal complaint. The Cyber Crime Circle of Karachi Police initiated a thorough investigation, tracing the threatening calls back to Asif. The arrest was made from Karachi's Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, where the accused was operating his extortion racket.
During the investigation, police discovered that Asif had strategically chosen his victims based on his previous employment experiences. His background as a driver provided him with valuable insights into which businessmen had the financial capacity to meet his demands, making his extortion attempts more targeted and potentially more successful.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
The police operation resulted in the recovery of significant evidence from the suspect's possession. Authorities confiscated multiple illegal SIM cards that Asif used to communicate his threats, along with a 30-bore pistol and bullets that he allegedly used to intimidate his targets.
SSP Sherazi emphasized that the use of illegal SIM cards represents a growing trend among criminals seeking to avoid detection. The investigation is ongoing as police work to identify all of Asif's victims and determine the full extent of his criminal activities during the three-month period.
This case highlights the evolving nature of crime in urban centers like Karachi, where individuals with insider knowledge can transition into sophisticated criminal operations. The successful arrest demonstrates improved coordination between cyber crime units and traditional law enforcement in tackling such threats to the business community.
