In a significant breakthrough, Karachi law enforcement has apprehended members of an inter-provincial criminal gang operating in the upscale Defence Phase 7 area. The arrests have led to startling revelations about a well-organized racket targeting the city's major transit hubs.
Weekend Warriors of Crime
According to police officials, the detained suspects hail from Punjab and followed a specific modus operandi. They would travel to Karachi specifically during weekends and on festive occasions to carry out a series of robberies and snatchings. After executing their crimes, they would swiftly return to their home province, making it challenging for local authorities to track them.
The gang's operations were highly mobile. Police confirmed that the getaway vehicle, a white sedan from a popular brand, was rented from Punjab and driven to Karachi solely for criminal activities. This detail highlights the gang's premeditated planning and efforts to avoid detection by using non-local transport.
Airports and Stations: Prime Targets
The investigation uncovered that the gang deliberately chose high-footfall locations to find their victims. Airports, railway stations, and other crowded public places were their primary hunting grounds. The hustle and bustle of these areas provided them with both easy targets and a chaotic environment to disappear into after committing a crime.
During the interrogation process, CCTV footage from several of their criminal acts has been recovered and verified, providing concrete visual evidence of their activities in Karachi. This evidence is crucial for building a strong case against the perpetrators.
Technical Expertise in Phone Theft
Beyond street crimes, the gang possessed a disturbing technical skill. Police revealed that the arrested suspects are experts in altering the IMEI numbers of mobile phones. After snatching a device, they would change this unique identifier, making the phone virtually untraceable, and then sell it on the black market. This practice complicates recovery efforts for victims and law enforcement alike.
Officials further stated that all suspects are wanted in dozens of criminal cases back in Punjab, indicating a long history of illegal activities. The current interrogation is ongoing, with police hoping to uncover more links and solve additional cases.
This crackdown follows closely on the heels of another police success. Just three days prior, five members of a different criminal gang were arrested after an alleged police encounter. Weapons, laptops, mobile phones, and a car were seized from that group, signaling an intensified effort by Karachi police to curb organized crime in the city.
