Karachi Man Claims $850,000 in Digital Currency Stolen After Mobile Snatching at Airport
Victim Urges Protection of CCTV Footage and Calls for Inquiry into Theft
KARACHI: A man in Karachi has reported the theft of $850,000 worth of digital currency from his account after his mobile device was snatched at Jinnah International Airport last month. The victim, Faiz Yab, a resident of Keamari, was traveling to Peshawar on September 30 when the incident occurred.
In a complaint filed with the District and Sessions Court in Malir, Yab alleged that two men, dressed in plain clothes, intercepted him at the airport and took him to an office where they seized his mobile device, which contained access to his digital currency wallet. Shortly after, $850,000 was transferred from his account without authorization.
Victim’s Plea for Justice and Urgent Investigation
According to the petition, Yab approached airport police immediately after the incident, but his complaint was not registered. In response to the petition, the court directed SSP Malir to initiate a formal investigation into the matter through a DSP-ranked officer and submit a detailed report.
The police later presented a sealed report and a USB containing evidence to the court. The victim, fearing that critical evidence might be destroyed, wrote letters to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Sindh High Court Chief Justice, and senior police officials. In the letter, he alleged unlawful detention and access to his digital wallet during his time in custody.
Concerns Over Tampering of CCTV Evidence
Yab further alleged that certain suspects who were connected to the crime had contacted him, threatening to destroy CCTV footage of the incident. Within 48 hours of the robbery, the airport station house officer (SHO) had shown Yab CCTV footage on a laptop. However, Yab feared that the footage might have been tampered with, and requested the court to order the preservation of the original CCTV footage, which is retained by the airport for 28 to 30 days.
The victim urged for the forensic verification of the footage by either the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) or the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA) video laboratory to ensure that the evidence had not been altered.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
Following the court’s directives, SSP Malir initiated the investigation, appointing a DSP-ranked officer as the investigating officer. The police confirmed that they had contacted the victim, and his statement is scheduled to be recorded on Monday.
Authorities have acknowledged that the robbery involved a significant sum—$850,000 in digital currency—stolen after Yab’s mobile device was forcibly taken at Karachi’s international airport.
The investigation continues as the police work to uncover the culprits behind the theft and ensure the preservation of all relevant evidence. The case highlights growing concerns about digital currency security, as well as the vulnerabilities posed by mobile device theft in public spaces.
