Karachi police have arrested several suspects involved in multiple extortion threats across the city, officials confirmed on Friday. The arrested group includes the main accused, Junaid, who allegedly made repeated extortion calls to businessmen. Investigators said important evidence has been recovered from the suspects’ mobile phones, strengthening the case against them.
Officials added that the mobile phone of another suspect, Ejaz, contained the number used to make extortion calls. The group had earlier demanded money from a Karachi car showroom owner, prompting swift action by law enforcement agencies. Police believe their arrests will help prevent further extortion threats in commercial areas.
In a separate case, a man accused of demanding Rs100 million from a marble factory owner in Manghopir was also detained. The extortion call reportedly came from an international number, raising concerns about possible foreign-based handlers. Authorities revealed that the factory owner later received a parcel containing two bullets, clearly meant to intimidate him.
Law enforcement agencies in Karachi have intensified operations to dismantle networks involved in extortion and cross-border coordinated crime. The rise in extortion threats has alarmed traders, particularly in industrial and commercial locations.
Earlier, another marble trader in Manghopir told police that he was targeted by criminals demanding Rs10 crore. He received several calls from unknown international numbers. The callers gave him a five-day deadline, which increased pressure on the victim.
When the deadline passed, the criminals escalated their threats. A few days later, the trader received a parcel through a courier company. Inside, police found two 9mm bullets. The suspects reportedly claimed they were linked to a gang-war group and warned of severe consequences if their demands were not met.
Police have registered a case and are investigating the origin of the international calls. The victim said he feared for his safety but immediately reported the incident. Authorities are urging citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious calls or parcels.
The situation worsened when an unidentified attacker opened fire at a car showroom on New M.A. Jinnah Road earlier this week. The owner said he had received demands for Rs5 million and threats for non-payment. The firing incident is also being treated as an extortion-related attack.
Police say they will continue operations to protect businessmen and curb organized crime in Karachi.
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