A massive investment fraud has come to light, as Karachi-based Fatima Saleem and her family are accused of deceiving over 400 investors across Punjab, swindling a staggering Rs 4 billion through the fraudulent Bahria Cuisine Scheme.
This scandal has sent shockwaves through investors, as victims—including retired and serving officers—were lured in with promises of high returns from a supposedly lucrative cuisine business in a high-end society.
Read more: AI-Generated Girlfriend Scams Chinese Man Out of £22,000
According to a local publication, Fatima Saleem masterminded the scheme, misleading hundreds under the pretense of offering profitable investment opportunities. Her husband, Sohail Adnan, and son, Umar Imran, reportedly went into hiding after the fraud was exposed.
Fatima, along with her team and family members, persuaded investors to contribute amounts ranging from Rs 1 million to over Rs 10 million, ensuring them significant profits. However, once the deception was uncovered, the accused disappeared without a trace.
This is not Fatima’s first fraudulent venture. Reports indicate she was involved in a similar case five years ago, registered by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling Wing in Karachi. Following the case, she relocated to Punjab, where she resumed her deceptive activities, launching five outlets and a beauty salon to maintain the illusion of a legitimate business.
By continuously attracting investors with false promises of lucrative returns, she left hundreds facing massive financial losses. Despite 65 fraud and embezzlement cases against her, authorities, including the FIA, have been unsuccessful in apprehending her or her accomplices.
As investigations progress, the public is urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious investment schemes related to the cuisine business.
