In a bizarre and startling incident of domestic theft, authorities in Karachi’s upscale Defence area have uncovered a case where a housemaid allegedly stole a massive Rs50 million and led a luxurious double life, leaving investigators stunned.
The accused, identified as Shahnaz, worked as a domestic helper in a bungalow located in Khayaban-e-Tanzeem—an elite neighbourhood in Defence. The property belongs to a businessman who currently lives abroad. The case came to light when a concerned neighbor tipped off the homeowner’s relatives, noticing Shahnaz’s lavish lifestyle.
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“She looked like a regular maid during the day but transformed into a high-end shopper by evening,” shared Senior Investigation Officer Muhammad Saeed.
Following the lead, police launched an investigation that revealed Shahnaz had stolen Rs50 million over time. The embezzled money was allegedly used to purchase three residential flats, five cars, three motorcycles, and a retail shop—an extravagant life far beyond a maid’s expected means.
A formal complaint was registered at Clifton Police Station by a female relative of the homeowner. Shahnaz was taken into custody and presented in Karachi City Court, where she was granted a three-day physical remand for further questioning.
However, the plot thickened as investigators discovered Shahnaz was part of a wider criminal network. Two more suspects—her son Asif and an accomplice named Hammad—were also arrested and placed under police remand until June 28. Authorities are currently on the hunt for other gang members, including Naseem and Mohsin, who remain at large.
“This wasn’t a simple theft—it was an organized, mafia-style operation. The group strategically targeted affluent homes while posing as innocent domestic workers,” said the investigation officer.
Police continue to pursue leads as they attempt to dismantle the entire network behind this shocking case of betrayal and organized crime.
