An investigation uncovered an organized extortion network formed inside jail, exposing Karachi extortion network links between jailed criminals and outside operatives, according to the Special Investigation Unit findings.
The SIU has completed its investigation of the arrested extortionists, including Jawad alias Waja, Shahzeb, and Rehan, revealing how they planned, coordinated, and executed extortion activities across Karachi.
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Investigators said the network became active in 2022, when jailed criminals allegedly reconnected with associates after release and resumed coordinated extortion, intimidation, and financial collection from targeted victims.
During interrogation, Jawad alias Waja revealed he met notorious extortionist Samad Kathiawari while imprisoned, where initial contacts and planning allegedly took place, forming the foundation of the criminal network.
The investigation disclosed that meetings between network operatives resumed outside jail in 2022, enabling the group to reorganize, assign roles, and operationalize extortion plans across multiple city locations.
READ: SIU arrests two most wanted extortionists in Karachi raid
Jawad told investigators he previously engaged in mobile phone buying and selling and cosmetic-related work, which allegedly helped him blend into markets and identify potential extortion targets.
Arrested accused Shahzeb stated he had worked in car showrooms in the past, providing him access to business information and financial patterns useful for identifying vulnerable targets.
Shahzeb admitted he supplied extortion tips from car showrooms, sharing details about owners, vehicles, and routines with network leaders to facilitate threats and monetary demands.
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Investigators said Shahzeb revealed that on Jawad’s instructions, Rehan provided young men and SIM cards used for making threatening calls to victims.
The probe found that shooters and threatening callers were allegedly paid between Rs 50,000 and Rs 100,000 per operation, depending on the level of intimidation required.
Jawad alias Waja and Shahzeb were arrested from Qadri House during a targeted operation, while further inquiries continue to identify facilitators and financial channels.
