Pakistan Gang Rape Victim Says Dy PM Ishaq Dar's Relative Demanded Crypto Access, $100,000 Ransom

Last Updated:July 05, 2026, 07:41 IST

Among those arrested in the case is Raza Dar, who is related to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The investigation into the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign nationals in Pakistan has taken a new direction, with investigators looking into whether a dispute over cryptocurrency worth millions of dollars may have triggered the incident.

According to Pakistani media reports, investigators are exploring the possibility that the alleged crime was linked to digital assets rather than a conventional ransom demand. The development comes after one of the complainants recorded her statement before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code.

Among those arrested is Raza Dar, who is related to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Victim Claims Attackers Wanted Access To Cryptocurrency

In her statement, Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho alleged that armed men stormed the Lahore house where she and her friend, Stephani Adriana, had been staying shortly after arriving in Pakistan.

According to ARY News, Astrid claimed the men were focused on obtaining access to cryptocurrency holdings. She alleged they repeatedly demanded passwords and insisted on being shown a computer that allegedly contained digital assets.

She further alleged that the accused became violent after locating the computer and warned both women they would be killed 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," Astrid said in her statement before the magistrate.

Allegations Of Sexual Assault

Astrid also accused two of the men of sexually assaulting her while another allegedly stood outside the room carrying a rifle.

She alleged that the attackers slapped her, laughed at her and ordered her not to cry. According to her statement, Raza Dar later used her mobile phone to contact people known to her in an attempt to secure money.

Astrid claimed that although no one initially responded, Stephani’s mother later managed to arrange 100,000 US dollars. She alleged that after receiving the money, the accused returned their passports and agreed to drop the women at the airport.

Escape After Accident

The complainant further alleged that while they were being driven away, she overheard one of the accused speaking on the phone and saying, “The boss’s instructions are different."

She claimed the vehicle later met with an accident, allowing both women to flee. According to her statement, they ran from the vehicle, shouted for help and were eventually assisted after bystanders alerted a traffic police officer.

Court Sends Four Men To Police Custody

A Lahore court has remanded four accused, including Raza Dar, Hassan Raza, Sikandar Khan and Sajid Ali, to five days of police custody.

Investigators told the court they are yet to recover weapons allegedly used in the incident as well as money suspected to be linked to the case. Police have been directed to complete the investigation and submit a progress report before the accused are produced again on July 8.

Victims May Have Left Pakistan

According to ARY News, citing judicial sources, the two women are believed to have left Pakistan after recording their statements.

Journalist Abid Khan said officials have not disclosed their current location. If the women have departed the country, legal experts believe it could complicate the prosecution during the trial. Their statements have reportedly been sealed by the magistrate, while investigators have received copies for the ongoing probe.

What’s The Case?

The case emerged after Pakistani police arrested four men in connection with the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two women from the Netherlands and Venezuela.

Investigators claim the women first met Raza Dar in Singapore in October 2025 while working on a cryptocurrency venture. Police allege he later invited them to Pakistan on business visas.

The women have alleged that they were abducted shortly after reaching Lahore on June 29, confined inside a house, sexually assaulted and held captive while the accused allegedly demanded money in return for their release.

About the Author

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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