KARACHI: The kidnapping of a crypto trader for a hefty ransom has led to the removal of a long-time counterterrorism official from his post, it emerged on Tuesday.

DSP Raja Umar Khattab, who remained associated with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for the past many years, was removed from his post by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon.

According to an order, “Raja Umar Khattab, DSP-Intelligence, CTD Karachi, has been transferred and directed to report to the Central Police Office (CPO) with immediate effect and until further orders.”

Furthermore, Raja Farrukh Younus, DSP-Special Protection Unit (SPU) of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was removed from office and directed to report to the CPO.

While the orders did not cite any reason behind their transfer, sources linked their removal with the recent kidnapping of a crypto currency trader who was released after he paid a huge ransom in foreign currency and transferred the amount to several other accounts.

Talking to Dawn, the IGP said: “They have been transferred because there is an enquiry pending against them.”

Mr Khattab, a recipient of Sitara-i-Shujaat and Tamgha-i-Shujaat, had solved many high-profile terrorism cases during his long career in the CTD.

He confirmed the development and said that he was transferred “without any charges”.

The removal of the two officers came after CTD policeman Ali Raza, along with six others, was arrested by the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of the crypto currency trader. They were booked and arrested for kidnapping the victim and releasing him after he transferred $340,000 in their accounts from his ‘Binance account’.

Without mentioning the kidnap incident, Mr Khattab questioned whether it was advisable to “punish the whole unit if one sepoy of the CTD committed any mistake”.

He said he wanted a proper inquiry into the allegations and demanded that his honour be restored if it was proved that he had not committed any crime.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2025