Agencies | Islamabad:
The investigation into the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign nationals in Pakistan has taken a significant turn, with authorities now probing whether a multi-million dollar cryptocurrency dispute triggered the incident.
According to local media reports, investigators are exploring the possibility that the crime was motivated by digital asset holdings rather than a conventional ransom demand. The development follows a formal statement recorded by one of the complainants before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code.
Among the four suspects arrested in connection with the case is Raza Dar, a relative of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar.
Assailants Targeted Digital Asset Passwords, Victim Testifies
In her official statement, complainant Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho alleged that armed men stormed the Lahore residence where she and her friend, Stephani Adriana, were staying shortly after their arrival in Pakistan.
According to ARY News, Bracho testified that the intruders were specifically focused on securing access to cryptocurrency holdings. She alleged that the men repeatedly demanded passwords and insisted on being shown a computer that contained the digital assets.
Bracho further stated that the suspects became violent after locating the computer, threatening both women with death if they failed to comply.
“He told me if we gave them the money, we would live. If we didn’t, they would kill us,” Bracho stated before the magistrate.
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Extortion
The complainant further accused two of the men of sexually assaulting her while an accomplice stood guard outside the room with a rifle. Bracho alleged that the attackers physically assaulted them, mocked them, and ordered them not to cry.
According to her statement, Raza Dar subsequently used her mobile phone to contact her associates in an attempt to extort funds. While initial attempts failed, Adriana’s mother eventually arranged a payment of $100,000 USD. Bracho alleged that upon receiving the funds, the suspects returned their passports and agreed to transport them to the airport.
Escape Following a Vehicular Accident
The victim’s statement detailed that during the drive to the airport, she overheard one of the suspects stating over the phone, “The boss’s instructions are different.”
Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was involved in a traffic accident, allowing both women to flee. They shouted for help and were rescued after bystanders alerted a nearby traffic police officer.
Court Remands Four Suspects to Police Custody
A Lahore court has remanded four suspects—identified as Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan, and Sajid Ali—to police custody for five days.
| Suspects Remanded |
| • Raza Dar |
| • Hassan Raza |
| • Sikandar Khan |
| • Sajid Ali |
Law enforcement officials informed the court that they have yet to recover the weapons used in the offense or the extorted funds. The police have been directed to complete the initial probe and submit a progress report before the suspects are produced back in court on July 8.
Complainants Reportedly Depart Pakistan, Complicating Trial
Citing judicial sources, ARY News reported that both women are believed to have left Pakistan immediately after recording their statements. Local journalist Abid Khan noted that officials have not disclosed their current location.
Legal experts warn that the departure of the primary complainants could significantly complicate the prosecution’s case during the trial phase. For now, their statements have been sealed by the magistrate, with copies provided to investigators to advance the ongoing probe.
The case initially came to light following the arrest of the four men in connection with the alleged abduction and assault of the two women, who hold citizenship in the Netherlands and Venezuela.
Investigators state that the victims first met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025 while collaborating on a cryptocurrency venture. Police allege that Dar subsequently invited the women to Pakistan on business visas. The complainants allege they were abducted shortly after arriving in Lahore on June 29, confined to a house, assaulted, and held captive under extortion demands.
