The investigation into the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign women in Pakistan has taken a new turn, with investigators examining a possible cryptocurrency dispute as part of the case involving a relative of Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar.The development comes after one of the victims, Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho, recorded her statement before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), alleging that the prime accused, Raza Dar received US $100,000 for her release.According to the statement obtained by ARY News, Astrid told the magistrate that armed men stormed the house where she and her friend, Stephani Adriana were staying after they arrived in Lahore.She alleged that the attackers tied them up and confined them in a room while Raza Dar repeatedly demanded access to a computer and cryptocurrency funds.“They asked where the computer with the money was, and I told them it was in the green bag,” she said, adding that Raza Dar continued demanding money and passwords.Astrid further alleged that one of the armed men hit her on the head, while another threatened to kill both women if they failed to hand over the money.“He told me if we gave them the money, we would live. If we didn’t, they would kill us,” she said in her statement.The complainant also alleged that she was taken to a bedroom on the second floor, where three men entered the room. She claimed that two of them sexually assaulted her while another suspect stood guard with a rifle.“They were laughing, slapped me and told me to keep quiet when I started crying,” she alleged before the magistrate.According to her statement, Dar allegedly used her mobile phone to send messages to her contacts seeking money. She said no one initially responded, but later Stephani’s mother informed them that she had arranged US$100,000.Astrid alleged that on the final day of their captivity, Dar told them he had received the money and that they were free to leave. She claimed he returned their passports and drove them towards the airport.During the journey, she alleged that Dar was speaking to someone on the phone when the person on the other end said, “The boss’s instructions are different.”She further stated that after the vehicle met with an accident, she and Stephani jumped out, screamed for help and were eventually rescued after members of the public alerted a traffic police officer.
Crypto dispute under investigation
Investigators are also probing whether the case stemmed from a cryptocurrency dispute.According to sources familiar with the investigation, Raza Dar and the two women were involved in financial dealings related to cryptocurrency worth around US$1.5 million (approximately Rs 450 million).Police are investigating allegations that Dar lured the women to Pakistan under false pretences before allegedly staging the kidnapping. Investigators also claim he included himself in the purported abduction to make the incident appear genuine.Authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that no final conclusions have been reached. The cryptocurrency dispute and the alleged kidnapping plot remain part of the ongoing probe.
Four accused remanded to police custody
Earlier, a Lahore court handed over four suspects: Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali to police on a five-day physical remand.Police told the court that weapons and the alleged proceeds of the crime were yet to be recovered and sought custody for further investigation.The court approved the request and directed investigators to complete the probe and submit a report. The accused are scheduled to be produced before the court again on July 8.
Victims may have left Pakistan
Meanwhile, ARY News reported, citing judicial sources, that the two foreign women may have already left Pakistan after recording their statements.Journalist Abid Khan said the current whereabouts of the women remain unknown and that authorities have kept all details regarding them confidential.He noted that if the victims have indeed left the country, their absence could weaken the prosecution’s case.The victims’ statements have reportedly been sealed and remain in the custody of the magistrate, with one copy provided to the police.
What is the case?
The case came to light after Pakistani police arrested four men, including Raza Dar, a relative of deputy PM Ishaq Dar, over the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign women from the Netherlands and Venezuela in Lahore.According to police, the women met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025 while working on a cryptocurrency venture. Dar later invited them to Pakistan and arranged business visas for their visit.The women alleged that they were abducted shortly after arriving in Lahore on June 29, taken to a house, sexually assaulted and held for ransom. Police said the investigation is continuing.