Investigators Examine Crypto Link, ‘Carlitos’ Code Word In Pakistan Gangrape Case

A high-profile criminal investigation in Pakistan has sparked political controversy after police identified Raza Dar, reportedly the grandson of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as the principal suspect in the alleged abduction and gangrape of two foreign women in Lahore. Investigators allege that the accused targeted the victims to gain access to cryptocurrency assets and later secured the release of one of the women after receiving a payment of USD 100,000. The allegations have intensified calls from opposition figures for a transparent investigation into the case.

According to the police investigation, Raza Dar met the two women—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—in Singapore last year while they were involved in cryptocurrency-related business activities. Investigators allege that he later arranged business visas for the women to travel to Pakistan. Police claim the victims were invited to a house in Lahore under the pretext of attending a relative's birthday celebration. However, upon arriving at the residence, they allegedly found it empty.

The complainant alleged that approximately 15 minutes later, four armed men entered the house carrying firearms and ropes. According to statements submitted to investigators, the attackers allegedly tied the women's hands behind their backs, physically assaulted them and demanded a ransom. Police said the assailants initially sought USD 2 million and allegedly threatened to kill the women and sell their organs if their demands were not met. Investigators further claim that one of the victims was released after the suspects received USD 100,000.

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During her statement before a judicial magistrate, one of the complainants, Astrid Gabriela Robinson Bracho, alleged that the attackers repeatedly demanded access to a computer containing cryptocurrency assets. According to reports, the captors focused on obtaining passwords and access credentials linked to digital currency holdings rather than conventional financial assets. Investigators believe the alleged demand for cryptocurrency access forms a central element of the case and are examining electronic evidence as part of the ongoing probe.

The case has also triggered a political storm in Pakistan. Senator Faisal Vawda has publicly accused both the federal government and the Punjab provincial administration of attempting to shield the deputy prime minister's relative from accountability. The allegations have fuelled demands from opposition leaders and civil society groups for Ishaq Dar's resignation and for an independent investigation into the matter. Ishaq Dar has not publicly responded to the allegations involving his reported grandson, while authorities have yet to announce whether formal charges have been filed against all suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to collect witness statements, forensic evidence and digital records related to the alleged offences. The allegations against Raza Dar and the other accused have not been tested in court, and they are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The case has nevertheless attracted widespread attention in Pakistan because of its serious nature, the alleged involvement of cryptocurrency-related assets and the reported connection to a senior government official's family.

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