LAHORE, Pakistan (Diya TV) — A cryptocurrency connection has emerged in a high-profile kidnapping and sexual assault case in Pakistan that has drawn national attention. The case involves four suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, who is reported to be the grandson of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar.
According to statements made during the investigation, the two foreign women traveled to Pakistan for what they believed was a cryptocurrency business opportunity. However, investigators now believe the suspects targeted the women not only for ransom but also for access to valuable cryptocurrency assets.
The two survivors, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, arrived in Pakistan on June 29. Authorities say Muhammad Raza Dar had helped arrange their visas after meeting the women in Singapore in October 2025. After landing, the women went to a residence in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority, where police say the suspects later abducted and sexually assaulted them.
The case took another turn after one of the women reportedly told a magistrate that the attackers demanded access to a computer containing cryptocurrency assets. She said the suspects threatened to kill them unless they handed over the digital holdings. As a result, investigators now believe cryptocurrency played a major role in the alleged crimes.
Meanwhile, the suspects also demanded a ransom from the victims’ families. Investigators said the group initially sought $1.5 million for the women’s release. According to American news outlet The Media Line, the father of one survivor contacted Lahore’s Rescue 15 emergency helpline from Spain after losing contact with his daughter shortly after she entered Pakistan.
Police said the kidnappers later accepted $100,000. After receiving the money, they reportedly told the women they would take them to the airport. However, during the journey, the suspects’ vehicle crashed into another car. The women quickly escaped, ran to a nearby shop, and sought help. Their escape helped police launch a successful operation to arrest the suspects.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran said officers carried out raids in Sargodha, Shahdara and Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority during the investigation. He also did not deny Muhammad Raza Dar’s family relationship with Ishaq Dar while speaking to reporters.
Following the rescue, police arranged medical examinations for both women after receiving their consent and coordinating with their respective embassies. The Dutch Embassy also became involved after officials confirmed that one of the survivors was a Dutch citizen. In addition, the provincial government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif responded quickly to the case. Both women later left Pakistan on July 3.
The investigation also uncovered another controversy. A Station House Officer allegedly forced his way into a district magistrate’s official residence to record the women’s statements. Authorities later registered a case against the officer. Furthermore, Kamran publicly apologized to the judiciary during a press briefing over the incident.
The four suspects remain in police custody after a court granted investigators a five-day physical remand. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 8. Investigators continue to examine digital evidence, financial records, and other material linked to the alleged cryptocurrency transactions.
The case has attracted widespread attention because it comes at a time when Pakistan is actively promoting itself as a growing cryptocurrency market. During the past year, the country has taken several steps to attract investment in digital assets and blockchain technology. At the same time, officials have increased engagement with international cryptocurrency businesses.
One of the leading figures in those efforts is Bilal Bin Saqib, the former chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. He has worked to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with global cryptocurrency investors. His outreach has included discussions with prominent business leaders from the United States, including Zachary Witkoff, chief executive officer of World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency platform co-founded by U.S. President Donald Trump.
