Islamabad Police’s Robbery and Dacoity Unit RDU has sacked 16 members of an organised criminal gang involved in snatching high-end mobile phones, altering their IMEI numbers, and selling them across the border in Afghanistan. The operation also led to the capture of the gang’s ringleader and the recovery of dozens of snatched devices valued at millions of rupees. Motorcycles used in the crimes were also seized during the operation, according to police statements on Monday.
SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza detailed that police confiscated two motorcycles, five pistols, and associated ammunition allegedly used in multiple robberies. He added that the suspects were wanted in at least 16 cases related to street crime, shop robberies, and other serious offences registered in Islamabad. The arrests form part of a broader strategy to target organised and repeat offenders operating across the capital.
According to SSP Qazi, the gang had been systematically carrying out robberies in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, tampering with IMEI numbers of the stolen mobile phones, and smuggling them to Afghanistan. The suspects reportedly confessed to their activities during police questioning. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other facilitators and accomplices linked to the network, reflecting Islamabad Police’s commitment to tackling criminal operations that exploit mobile technology and telecommunications infrastructure.
The initiative is part of Islamabad Police’s larger framework for intelligence-led and technology-focused policing. In recent years, investigative structures have been strengthened by establishing specialised units to focus on organised crime, vehicle theft, and property-related offences. Centralised criminal databases, offender profiling, and crime mapping are being utilised to identify hotspots and dismantle organised networks operating across the city and surrounding areas.
By targeting gangs involved in high-value mobile thefts, authorities aim to reinforce both public safety and the security of telecommunication devices. This approach highlights growing attention on crimes involving smartphones, which are increasingly vulnerable due to their resale value and the possibility of tampering with IMEI numbers. Recovery of stolen devices and seizure of tools used in illegal operations reflects a more systematic effort to protect consumers and curb illicit trade in mobile technology.
Islamabad Police have reiterated that large-scale operations against organised criminal networks will continue, with a focus on dismantling gangs involved in depriving citizens of their valuables. The recovery of stolen mobile phones and firearms underlines the scale of the issue, while ongoing investigations seek to trace additional accomplices, prevent further crimes, and maintain confidence in both urban security and mobile device safety.
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