By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad, Islamabad police have dismantled a major organised criminal network involved in street crime and cross-border mobile phone smuggling, arresting 16 suspects including the gang leader.
According to Islamabad Police spokesperson, the arrests were made by the Robbery and Dacoity Unit following a targeted operation against groups engaged in snatching high-end mobile phones from citizens. The stolen devices were later altered by changing their IMEI numbers and smuggled into Afghanistan for resale.
Large-Scale Recoveries
Police recovered dozens of expensive mobile phones worth millions of rupees, along with a motorcycle used in criminal activities.
In addition, two more motorcycles and five pistols with ammunition were seized from the suspects, said SSP Operations Islamabad.
Investigators revealed that the arrested individuals were wanted in at least 16 cases involving street robbery, shop robberies, and other serious crimes across Islamabad and the twin cities.
Cross-Border Criminal Link
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to operating multiple organised gangs and to selling stolen mobile phones in Afghanistan after tampering with their identification numbers to evade tracking.
The disclosure highlights a growing trend of cross-border criminal networks exploiting weak enforcement mechanisms around stolen electronic devices.
Police officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest remaining facilitators and accomplices linked to the network.
Crackdown on Organised Crime
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza reaffirmed Islamabad police’s commitment to tackling organised crime, stating that “those who deprive citizens of their valuable assets will be dealt with strictly.”
He added that large-scale operations are continuing against active and organised criminal gangs operating in the capital, with a particular focus on street crime and illegal trafficking networks.
The latest operation comes amid heightened law enforcement efforts in Islamabad aimed at curbing robberies and restoring public confidence in security across the city.
