A multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency dispute is emerging as a key focus of the investigation into the alleged abduction and gang rape of two foreign women in Pakistan, according to multiple media reports. The victims, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, were allegedly abducted by a group of men in Lahore on June 29. Authorities have arrested eight people in connection with the case as the investigation continues.

Investigators believe the alleged crimes may have stemmed from a financial dispute linked to a cryptocurrency venture. According to Dawn, citing an official familiar with the probe, the prime suspect first met one of the women at a conference in Singapore in 2025, where they reportedly agreed to establish a cryptocurrency business together. The suspect allegedly invested $60,000 in the venture and earned a profit of $20,000 before making a second investment of $500,000 in December 2025.

The investigation suggests that the second investment did not generate the expected returns, leading to a dispute between the parties. Officials allege that the suspect later persuaded the woman to travel to Pakistan under the pretext of negotiating another significant business deal. Authorities further claim that the suspect enlisted a relative, who has also been arrested, to pose as a prospective investor as part of the alleged scheme.

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The case has also sparked political controversy. On Saturday, Pakistani Senator Faisal Vawda, who is considered close to the country's military establishment, called for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar after one of Dar's relatives was arrested in connection with the investigation. According to reports by PTI, Vawda accused both the federal government and the Punjab provincial administration of attempting to shield the minister's relative from scrutiny.

The allegations have drawn widespread attention in Pakistan due to the involvement of foreign nationals, the suspected cryptocurrency-linked financial dispute, and the political fallout surrounding the arrests. Authorities have not announced formal conclusions regarding the motive, and the investigation remains ongoing as police continue to examine financial records, digital evidence, and the roles of all suspects arrested in the case.

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