Two foreign women recount alleged kidnapping, extortion, and assault in Pakistan

Two foreign women, one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela, have provided detailed testimonies to a judicial magistrate in Pakistan regarding a multi-day ordeal involving alleged kidnapping, extortion, assault, and sexual abuse. The women arrived in Pakistan on June 26, 2026, invited by a local business partner they had met previously. This partner, who claimed government connections, allegedly arranged their visas under the pretense of setting up meetings with investors. After three days in Islamabad, including sightseeing and business presentations, they traveled to Lahore on June 29. The primary suspect reportedly lured them to a house for a relative's birthday celebration, where they were ambushed by four armed men. The victims allege they were tied up, physically assaulted, and threatened with death and organ sales if a ransom of $2 million was not paid. The Dutch woman claims her phone was taken, and $17,000 in cryptocurrency was transferred from her accounts. She also alleges she was coerced into sending pleas for money to her family, but managed to include a distress code word, alerting international and local authorities. On June 30, she reported being sexually assaulted by an assailant. On July 1, while being driven by the suspect under the guise of going to the airport, the women escaped by jumping from the moving vehicle when it briefly collided with another car. They sought refuge in a mechanic's shop and were eventually aided by a traffic police officer and senior law enforcement officials who had been tracking their case. Their statements were officially recorded, and legal action is proceeding against five booked suspects, four of whom have been arrested and remanded.