Pak Deputy PM Ishaq Dar’s Relative Arrested in Crypto Extortion Case

Pakistani investigators are examining whether a cryptocurrency dispute worth approximately $1.5 million played a role in the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of two foreign women in Lahore, adding a financial dimension to a case involving Raza Dar, a relative of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to a Times of India report, the development follows a statement recorded before a judicial magistrate by one of the alleged victims, Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho, who described events surrounding the alleged kidnapping and claimed her captors repeatedly demanded access to cryptocurrency holdings.

Police investigate alleged $1.5 million crypto dispute

According to investigators familiar with the case, authorities are examining financial dealings involving Raza Dar and the two women linked to cryptocurrency assets valued at around $1.5 million (approximately PKR 450 million).

Investigators are looking into allegations that the women were invited to Pakistan under false pretenses following the business relationship and that the alleged kidnapping was connected to the dispute over those digital assets. Authorities are also investigating claims that Dar portrayed himself as one of the kidnapping victims to make the incident appear genuine.

Police have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached regarding the alleged crypto dispute or its connection to the broader criminal case.

Victim alleges kidnappers demanded crypto access

In her statement recorded under Section 164 of Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code, Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho alleged that armed men entered the residence where she and fellow victim Stephani Adriana were staying after arriving in Lahore.

According to her testimony, the attackers restrained both women and repeatedly demanded access to a computer containing cryptocurrency-related funds. She alleged that Raza Dar asked for passwords and access to the assets while other men threatened the women with violence if they refused to cooperate.

Bracho further alleged that she was assaulted during captivity and that armed men threatened to kill both women if they did not hand over the requested funds.

She also claimed that Dar used her mobile phone to contact people seeking money before Stephani Adriana’s mother allegedly arranged a $100,000 payment. According to her statement, Dar later informed the women that the money had been received and drove them toward the airport before they escaped following a traffic accident and alerted members of the public.

Four suspects remain in police custody

A Lahore court has placed four suspects—Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan, and Sajid Ali—on five days of physical remand after police told the court they were still attempting to recover weapons and the alleged proceeds of the crime.

The court directed investigators to complete the inquiry and submit a report. The accused are scheduled to appear before the court again on July 8.

Meanwhile, local media reports citing judicial sources indicate that the two foreign women may have left Pakistan after recording their statements before the magistrate. Their statements have reportedly been sealed, with copies retained by the court and investigating authorities.

Case stems from alleged business relationship

According to police, the two women—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025 while working on a cryptocurrency-related venture.

Investigators allege that Dar later invited them to Pakistan on business visas. The women claim they were abducted shortly after arriving in Lahore on June 29, held against their will, sexually assaulted, and subjected to ransom demands.

Police have said the investigation remains active, with both the alleged crypto dealings and the criminal allegations continuing to be examined.

Also Read: India’s Long-Awaited Crypto Report Heads to Parliament This Monsoon Session