Relative of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Accused in Crypto‑Ransom Gangrape

Islamabad – A high‑profile kidnapping and gang‑rape case in Lahore has drawn attention to alleged cryptocurrency dealings by the primary accused, Muhammad Raza Dar, who is said to be a close relative of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The two victims – foreign nationals from the Netherlands and Venezuela – were abducted on 29 June and allegedly forced into a house where armed men held them hostage. In a magistrate’s hearing, a survivor recounted that Dar repeatedly asked for details about computers and crypto‑wallets, demanding a ransom in digital assets.

She claims Dar obtained $100,000 in cash for her release. The assailants also demanded to see a "money‑filled computer" that she said was stored in a green bag. The testimony includes accounts of head injuries, continuous taunting, and sexual assault by two of the suspects while a third guard monitored the scene.

According to the victim, Dar used her mobile to message contacts, insisting on further payments. When the companion’s mother informed the kidnappers that the $100,000 had been secured, Dar confirmed the receipt. An attempted transfer to the airport was interrupted when Dar’s vehicle met with an accident, enabling the women to escape.

Police investigators discovered that the women had met Dar in Singapore the previous year while involved in a cryptocurrency business. Dar is accused of arranging business visas for their travel to Pakistan. Four accused have been arrested; one remains at large, and the court has ordered a five‑day police remand for those in custody.