Islamabad sees spike in crimes targeting foreigners

ISLAMABAD: In recent days, there has been an increase in theft and robbery incidents in Islamabad, especially targeting foreign nationals by a gang of impersonators donning police uniform.

According to statistics from the Islamabad police provided to Urdu News, foreign nationals have been robbed in 11 different incidents over the past three months.

The Islamabad police said that four suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents, while investigations continue following the registration of FIRs for the other cases.

On March 7, 2023, within the jurisdiction of Shalimar police station, a Chinese citizen was deceived by an individual wearing a police uniform. A case has been registered under section 420, and proceedings have begun. However, the suspect has not yet been apprehended.

On the same day, within the limits of Kohsar police station, a Vietnamese citizen was robbed by an individual in police uniform, who fled after snatching cash. This case is also registered under section 420, but the suspect remains at large.

On March 17, 2024, a Yemeni citizen was robbed of $1,800 by a person in police uniform within the Kohsar police station limits. A case was registered under sections 382/170, and the search for the suspect continues.

On March 18, 2024, a foreigner was abducted within the Margalla police station limits. The police registered an FIR, recovered the foreigner, and arrested the suspects.

The police suspect that the same group of individuals is involved in these three incidents, targeting foreign nationals while impersonating police officers.

Additionally, the father and paternal and maternal aunts of an Afghan citizen were abducted within the jurisdiction of Sabzi Mandi police station. A case was registered under section 365, but the family members have not yet been found.

On May 2, thieves were caught during a robbery at a foreigner’s house within the Margalla police station limits. Legal action is being taken under section 380/511.

On May 14, a Turkish citizen was robbed of cash and a mobile phone within the Kohsar police station limits. Despite registering an FIR under section 392, the suspects have not been arrested yet.

On May 25, within the Industrial Area police station limits, two American citizens were robbed of cash and mobile phones. The police registered a case under section 392, and the suspects were arrested with the help of special investigation teams, CCTV footage, and undercover surveillance.

On May 26, another foreigner was robbed within the Kohsar police station limits by suspects in fake police uniforms. The search for these suspects is ongoing.

Also read: Islamabad crime rate soars in last nine months

In the latest incident, two foreign nationals had their mobile phones stolen within the Margalla police station limits. A case was registered under section 392, and the suspect was arrested within 12 hours, with both mobile phones recovered.

A police spokesperson said Islamabad police have made some headway, arresting suspects in four of the 11 cases. Investigations continue for the remaining incidents. The spokesperson suspected that a group of criminals, impersonating police officers, was involved for multiple robberies.

Special investigation teams and advanced surveillance methods are being employed to apprehend the suspects, he said.