Webdesk: Kohistan’s massive corruption scandal has taken a dramatic new turn as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has recovered assets worth around Rs25 billion, exposing one of the biggest financial frauds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s history.
Fresh images and videos have gone viral on social media, showing luxury cars, posh houses, and other expensive belongings believed to be linked to those involved in the scam. These visuals have further highlighted the shocking scale of misuse of public funds and the deep-rooted network of corruption.
NAB has now elevated the case from a preliminary inquiry to a full-fledged investigation. Recent actions by NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have brought to light more troubling details, uncovering just how extensive and organised the fraud really is.
So far, the bureau has seized more than Rs1 billion in cash, including foreign currency, and over three kilograms of gold. It has also frozen 73 bank accounts holding over Rs5 billion. In addition, 77 luxury vehicles have been taken into custody.
Rs25 billion scam in Kohistan: Details
NAB has also taken over 109 properties spread across several cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Mansehra. These include:
- 4 farmhouses
- 12 commercial plazas
- 2 commercial plots
- 30 houses
- 12 shops and food courts
- 25 apartments, penthouses
- 175 kanals of agricultural land
Altogether, these properties are estimated to be worth Rs17 billion in market value.
According to sources close to the investigation, arrests of several key suspects are likely within the next 24 to 48 hours. Authorities are already finalising preparations. Investigations suggest that the scheme was carefully planned and involved a wide range of players, including government officials, shady contractors, corrupt bank employees, and other partners.
The fraudsters reportedly stole billions without raising any red flags in financial oversight systems. This has raised serious concerns about the lack of accountability in how public money is managed.
Among the people being investigated, contractor Muhammad Ayub has already been arrested. Officials confirmed that Rs3 billion were transferred to his bank account. Part of this money, NAB says, was used to purchase a property linked to former senator Azam Swati.
The case is still developing, and more arrests and revelations are expected as the investigation deepens into what may be one of the largest corruption cases the province has ever seen. Follow for more updates.
Read more: UK removes Pakistan from air safety list, clearing path for direct flights
