KARACHI: Police have traced the suspected mastermind behind an alleged scam in Karachi’s Gadap Town, where dozens of women were reportedly lured to a private farmhouse for job interviews before their mobile phones were taken and the suspects fled.
According to police, the suspected mastermind may have escaped to Gujranwala or Kashmir, while investigators have expanded their probe and traced the suspect’s digital location.
Police officials said two of the suspected mastermind’s four brothers have been taken into custody as part of the investigation. The location of a phone number believed to be linked to the main suspect was traced to Gujranwala through technical means.
However, during a phone conversation with investigators, the suspect claimed to be in Kashmir. Law enforcement officials said they are monitoring his movements closely despite the conflicting locations and are working to arrest him.
Suspect’s Identity Revealed
Investigators have identified the alleged mastermind as a man named Babar, who reportedly posed as a manager and remains at large.
According to investigators, the suspect had introduced himself to the affected women as Salman and was allegedly using a mobile SIM registered in another person’s name.
Police have also arrested an alleged facilitator and associate of the main suspect as part of the investigation.
How the Alleged Job Scam Unfolded
The incident reportedly began on September 30, when an attractive job advertisement was circulated on social media in the Gadap City area.
Following the advertisement, 59 women were taken in two buses to a private farmhouse in Gadap Town on the pretext of attending training and job interviews.
After they arrived, the women were reportedly told that mobile phone use and recording were prohibited at the premises due to security and company policy. They were consequently asked to hand over their phones.
According to the investigation, a man identified as Sahil alias Salman collected the phones in a bag and allegedly fled the premises with an accomplice after getting an opportunity to do so.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the incident, the affected women approached the Gadap Town police station and reported what had happened.
Police subsequently conducted a raid at the farmhouse and took its manager, Waqas, and coordinator, Nargis, into custody.
Malir police said a formal case has been registered and investigators are examining all aspects of the incident, including the alleged scam, the role of suspected facilitators and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the mobile phones.
Police said efforts are continuing to locate and arrest the suspected mastermind and other individuals allegedly involved in the case.
