Lahore kidnapping case: Spanish woman alleges ‘sexual assault, death threats’

LAHORE: An affidavit submitted by one of two foreign women at the centre of an alleged kidnapping and rape case in Lahore has surfaced, in which the woman accused the suspects of assault, sexual violence and issuing death threats during her captivity.

The statement, a copy of which has been obtained by Hum News, was submitted by the 40-year-old Spanish national. She told the court that while her experience was similar to that of the second alleged victim, the circumstances of her confinement differed.

On Friday, Lahore Cantonment Courts granted police a five-day physical remand of four men accused of kidnapping, extorting and raping two foreign women who were allegedly lured to Pakistan under the guise of a cryptocurrency partnership. The suspects were produced before the court under heavy security, where the judge ordered them to remove their face masks for identification. Police told the court that the two women, had been promised substantial profits from cryptocurrency investments and future financial ventures before travelling to Lahore on June 29. Investigators alleged that shortly before their scheduled departure on July 5, the prime suspect took the women to a house in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

In her affidavit, the first victim alleged that on the first night of her captivity, four armed men entered the house, tied the women up and confined them to a room. She alleged that one of the men physically and sexually assaulted her.

She said another man later arrived and questioned her about a computer and money, to which she replied that both were in a green bag. When the first victim was brought back, she alleged that he demanded money and passwords from both women. She said that when she questioned the armed men, one of them struck her.

According to the affidavit, the first victim was later taken to a room on the second floor where she encountered a man who was not part of the armed group and spoke fluent English.

‘Women rescued’

On July 2, Lahore police rescued two foreign women and arrested four suspects accused of kidnapping, rape, sexual assault and extortion following an operation launched after an emergency call from one of the victims’ families.

According to police, the two women had travelled to Pakistan to meet a friend. The First Information Report (FIR), registered at Defence-C Police Station, states that the women first met a Pakistani man in Singapore in October 2025. They alleged that he later invited them to Pakistan and arranged their visas.

Police said the father of one victim contacted the Emergency 15 helpline after learning that his daughter had been abducted. Lahore Police Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said police, with assistance from the Safe City Authority, traced the suspects and rescued the women.

A case has been registered under charges including kidnapping for ransom and rape. Police said four suspects have been arrested, while efforts are under way to apprehend other alleged accomplices.

The women have undergone medical examinations, and investigators are proceeding with legal action based on forensic and circumstantial evidence. Both victims have also recorded statements before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

According to the FIR, the women alleged they were abducted on June 29 by the alleged “boss” and three other men, who held them captive and demanded a $1.5 million ransom while threatening to kill them if the money was not paid. They also accused the suspects of repeated sexual assault during their captivity.

Police maintained one of the nominated suspects also happens to be a close relative of a high-profile political figure and maintained that the investigation is being conducted strictly on merit, without political pressure, in line with directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Police raids are under way to apprehend a fifth accomplice who remains at large. Meanwhile, the two foreign women left Pakistan on Friday after undergoing medical examinations. Police also said the medical reports had been received but would remain confidential because of the ongoing investigation.

“The investigation is continuing and the final determination will be made by the court on the basis of the evidence,” a police spokesperson said. Police said that investigators would complete further inquiries in light of the medical findings and continue collecting evidence using modern investigative techniques.

Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) Syed Zeeshan Raza said police provided the victims with full legal assistance and reaffirmed that the safety of foreign nationals remained a state responsibility and a top priority. “The law will take its course, and all those found responsible will face legal action,” he said.