KARACHI, Nov 30: The crime investigation agency (CIA) on Saturday claimed to have arrested three suspects associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) who allegedly killed workers of rival parties and extorted money from doctors and traders using their connection in South Africa.

“In a raid near Allahwali Chowrangi two targeted killing suspects — Kamran Zia, alias Langra, and Kashif Nafees — were arrested,” Sultan Khawaja, CIA DIG, told a press conference. “They were wanted in the killing of several people, including Kakar, Ibrahim, Mufti Abbass Qadri, Navaid Punjabi, Nadeem, Mufti Ibrahim, Lashari, Zahid Munna, workers of the Awami National Party and Pakistan People’s Party.”

He said another suspect, Arsalan Zaheer, was arrested in New Karachi, who was wanted in several extortion cases. He said the suspect spotted the potential targets and later they were sent threatening couriers from South Africa.

“The targets included doctors, traders and other professionals. The suspects’ contacts in South Africa used to send bullets in couriers to these professionals and traders as a threat to demand extortion money. After bargaining, when a certain amount was agreed to, it was transferred to South Africa through legal channel of money transfer so one did not doubt the process,” said DIG Khawaja.

He said the suspects were arrested following thorough investigations and intelligence reports. He also showed copies of courier services’ documents which were used to send threatening parcels containing bullets for extortion to different people.

“Further investigations are under way and we hope to make more arrests on these lines,” he added.