A well-known jeweller in Lahore has allegedly defrauded dozens of fellow jewellers and disappeared with gold ornaments reportedly worth more than Rs1 billion.
The scandal came to light when Ahmad Siddiqui, one of the victims, lodged a complaint claiming he had handed over over Rs25 million worth of gold ornaments to the suspect, Waseem Akhtar, former president of the Ichhra Jewellers Association.
Waseem, who had been running Madina Jewellers for nearly 35 years, had built strong trust within the market, leading many jewellers to store gold in his lockers.
According to Siddiqui, Waseem recently avoided returning his gold, citing a relative’s death in Karachi. Days later, Waseem shut down his shop and vanished.
When Siddiqui visited the suspect’s Johar Town residence, neighbours revealed that Waseem had sold his house and left without informing anyone.
Alarmed, Siddiqui alerted other Ichhra jewellers, triggering an internal inquiry that indicated Waseem had allegedly taken jewellery belonging to dozens of traders.
Victims claim the total value of the missing ornaments exceeds Rs1 billion, accusing the jeweller of a massive criminal breach of trust.
Lahore Operations DIG Faisal Kamaran confirmed that police have obtained CCTV footage showing Waseem carrying shopping bags believed to contain the stolen jewellery.
“We are tracking the suspect through Safe City cameras and other security systems in the market and near his Johar Town residence,” he said.
Police have launched a manhunt as the investigation continues.
Wait what🤣? Did he just stole Rs1 billion🤑 worth of gold wow😂! All he needs to do now is find a seller or join PPP and get rich🤑 as that’s how Zardari got his wealth right😂 Pro level theft.