Lahore Man Arrested for Blackmailing Women via Istikhara Scam
LAHORE, June 24: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has apprehended a man in Lahore accused of blackmailing women through a fraudulent “istikhara” scam. The suspect reportedly deceived women by offering false religious guidance and subsequently exploited them for blackmail.
According to the officials, authorities recovered objectionable videos and photos from the suspect’s devices. The individual was found to possess data involving 40 women comprising 763 explicit videos and 1,338 photos. The NCCIA disclosed that the suspect initially lured victims via social media platforms, promising “istikhara” readings, a practice Muslims use to seek guidance through prayer.
Investigators have, through forensic analysis, identified several victims. The man operated from his residence and a boutique located in Anarkali, Lahore. The suspect reportedly gained the trust of the women before coercing them into compliance and blackmail. The boutique was also used as a venue to entice victims to a shrine for further manipulation.
During the investigation, authorities seized two mobile phones, two internet routers, and an istikhara book from the suspect’s premises.
NCCIA Director Muhammad Ali Waseem emphasized that efforts to curb the exploitation of women will persist and mentioned ongoing raids to apprehend additional accomplices involved in the scam.
In a related note, a court in Karachi recently denied bail to a man accused of recording explicit videos and harassing a woman online. The Judicial Magistrate underscored the increasing misuse of digital platforms to victimize women and highlighted the need for strict enforcement of laws against such offenses.
The court reviewed that the accused had exploited the trust of a woman during their engagement and allegedly administered an intoxicant to record inappropriate content. The engagement was later annulled after the complainant discovered that the suspect was already married. The prosecution argued that releasing the accused on bail could pose further threats to the victim.
Both cases point towards a broader concern regarding the exploitation of women through digital and social platforms in Pakistan and reinforce the importance of legal measures and investigations to combat this emerging challenge.