MUZAFFARGARH: Saddar police claimed on Thursday to have smashed a honey-trap gang and arrested four of its members - a woman and three men. The gang, known for kidnapping government officials and rich people under the pretense of romantic relationships, was caught following an investigation revealing numerous victims had been extorted. Station House Officer (SHO) Iftikhar Ali Malkani said female ringleader and her three accomplices had formed the gang, which had extorted millions of rupees from dozens of people across south Punjab. SHO Malkani said a victim, Haider Abbas, a resident of Langar Saraye, about 25 kilometers from the city, was lured to Multan by a woman. Upon arrival at her house, he was confronted by three men who robbed him of his mobile phone, motorcycle, and cash, and demanded a large amount of money while recording explicit videos of him. Abbas managed to escape and reported the incident to the police. Under the direction of District Police Officer Syed Hasnain Haider, SHO Malkani formed a special team that arrested the gang members. The investigation revealed that over three dozen families had been victimised by the gang, who used an app to target and trap wealthy families and businessmen, subsequently abducting them and demanding hefty ransoms. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rehan Rasool confirmed that a case had been registered against the suspects, and his team is investigating the matter thoroughly.
(Daily Dawn)
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