Man held in Karachi for swindling, blackmailing woman via matrimonial app

KARACHI: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) announced the arrest of a man accused of defrauding a woman of around Rs4.45 million via a matrimonial app, according to wire material. The suspect, using the alias "Hassam Uddin", allegedly sought the money through online bank transfers and later threatened the woman to distribute her altered images on social media to obtain more funds.

He was charged under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. Initial investigations imply that the suspect might have also targeted additional women, prompting NCCIA to encourage victims to report their complaints while guaranteeing confidentiality. Authorities advised the public to be vigilant when using matrimonial apps and social media platforms.

Separately, a young man with a criminal past was discovered shot dead in North Karachi on Friday, reported police and rescue services. The victim, identified as Sameer Masih, 30, from Taiser Town, was found with a gunshot wound to his back on a road near Rehmania Mor in Sector 5B-3. Initial reports suggest that the deceased was a pillion rider when he fell from his motorcycle, while the other rider escaped the scene.

Sameer had a documented criminal history, with five First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him at various police stations. Police speculated that Sameer could have been shot during a robbery attempt in Manghopir, after which his accomplice abandoned him at the spot.

Additionally, a man was killed and five others injured when a passenger coach overturned in Baldia Town on Friday, police and rescue services reported. The van was en route from Hub Chowki to Karachi when it veered off course while attempting to avoid a collision with a police mobile on Hub River Road.