LAHORE (MNN); Two foreign women have recorded statements before a judicial magistrate, alleging that they were kidnapped, physically assaulted, extorted and sexually abused during a multi-day ordeal in Lahore. The testimonies were recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), forming a key part of the ongoing criminal investigation.
The case was registered at Defence C Police Station after police rescued the two women and arrested four of the five nominated suspects, including a close relative of a senior political figure. The accused have been placed on a five-day physical remand for further investigation.
According to the complainant, a Dutch national, she and her Venezuelan friend travelled to Pakistan on June 26, 2026, after being invited by a local businessman they had met in Singapore in October 2025. She alleged that the suspect promised to arrange meetings with prominent investors for her company and facilitated their visas for the business visit.
The women stayed in Islamabad for three days, during which they visited Nathia Gali and attended business-related presentations before travelling to Lahore by road on June 29.
The complainant told the magistrate that the suspect invited them to a house in Lahore, claiming they were attending a relative’s birthday celebration. Shortly after entering the residence, four armed men allegedly stormed the house, tied their hands and subjected both women to physical violence.
The Dutch national further alleged that the main suspect initially pretended to be another victim before revealing his involvement with the armed group. The attackers allegedly demanded up to $2 million in ransom and threatened to kill the women and sell their organs if payment was not made.
The victims were reportedly separated inside the house, with the Dutch woman kept downstairs under armed guard while her companion was confined upstairs. She alleged that the suspects forcibly transferred nearly $17,000 worth of cryptocurrency from her digital accounts and repeatedly pressured her to send desperate voice messages to family members requesting money.
The complainant said she secretly inserted a pre-arranged distress code word, “CARLITOS,” into one of the messages, enabling her family in Europe to alert international and Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
She further alleged that she was sexually assaulted by one of the armed men on June 30.
According to her testimony, on July 1 the main suspect claimed he was taking the women to the airport. However, using a concealed mobile phone, she realised they were being driven elsewhere while the suspect remained in contact with another alleged accomplice.
When the vehicle slowed after a minor collision, both women escaped from the moving car and sought refuge at a nearby mechanic’s workshop. A traffic police officer noticed the distressed women and immediately called for assistance.
Initially traumatised, the women reportedly fled from the first responding police vehicle out of fear. Senior police officials, accompanied by a female officer, later reassured them and informed them that authorities had been tracking the kidnapping case for nearly 48 hours before escorting them safely to the police station.
After confirming that her statement had been made voluntarily and without coercion, the magistrate sealed the testimony for legal proceedings. The Venezuelan national also recorded a separate statement, which reportedly corroborated the Dutch complainant’s account.
Police investigations are continuing, while legal proceedings against the arrested suspects remain underway.