NAB launches formal probe into Rs40bn Kohistan corruption scandal

PESHAWAR: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has officially launched a formal investigation into the Rs40 billion Kohistan corruption scandal, as the inquiry has uncovered shocking revelations.

According to the details, photos, and videos of luxury vehicles and properties have surfaced in the mega corruption scandal with assets worth a total of Rs25 billion have so far been recovered and seized in the case.

The corruption watchdog has confirmed that Rs1 billion in cash has been confiscated, along with foreign currency, and more than three kilograms of gold.

Additionally, NAB has frozen Rs5 billion across 73 bank accounts and seized 77 luxury vehicles worth Rs940 million, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche Taycan, Toyota Land Cruiser, Fortuner, Hilux Revo, Mark X, Lexus, and Ford Mustang.

Around 109 properties, worth Rs 17 billion, have been seized in various cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Mansehra. The properties include 30 houses, 25 flats, 4 farmhouses, 12 commercial plazas, 2 commercial plots, 12 shops and food courts, and 175 kanals of agricultural land.

Sources have said that arrests of key figures are expected within the next 24 to 48 hours.

A colossal fraud was meticulously orchestrated through explicit collusion among government officials, contractors, complicit banking authorities, and others.

The accountability bureau has already arrested one accused contractor, Muhammad Ayub. Rs 3 billion were transferred to his account, and he also purchased former federal minister Azam Swati’s house using the embezzled funds.

NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already summoned Azam Swati on July 17 for investigation into the alleged illegal withdrawal of Rs. 36 billion from the national treasury.