Affidavit of foreign woman details assault, threats in Lahore kidnapping case

LAHORE: An affidavit submitted by one of the two foreign women at the centre of an alleged kidnapping and rape case in Lahore has surfaced, in which the woman accused the suspects of assault, sexual violence and issuing death threats during her captivity.

According to the statement, a copy of which has been obtained by Hum News, the 40-year-old Spanish national told the court that while her experience was similar to that of the second alleged victim, the circumstances of her confinement differed.

The development comes after Lahore Cantonment Courts granted police a five-day physical remand of four men accused of kidnapping, extorting and raping two foreign women who were allegedly lured to Pakistan under the guise of a cryptocurrency partnership.

In her affidavit, the woman alleged that on the first night of her captivity, four armed men entered the house, tied both women up and confined them to a room. She further alleged that one of the suspects physically and sexually assaulted her.

The woman stated that another man later arrived and questioned her about a computer and money. She said she informed him that both items were in a green bag. According to the affidavit, one of the suspects later demanded money and passwords from the women, and she was struck after questioning the armed men.

She further alleged that she was later taken to a room on the second floor, where she encountered a man who was not part of the armed group and spoke fluent English.

Earlier on Friday, Judicial Magistrate Azhar Mahmood granted police a five-day physical remand of the four suspects, rejecting a request for 14 days’ custody.

Police told the court that the two foreign women had been promised substantial profits through cryptocurrency investments and future business ventures before travelling to Lahore on June 29.

Investigators alleged that shortly before their scheduled departure on July 5, the prime suspect took the women to a residence in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), where they were allegedly held captive.

The case came to light after the father of one of the victims contacted the Emergency 15 helpline from abroad and informed authorities that his daughter had been abducted.

On July 2, Lahore police rescued the two women and arrested four suspects during an operation conducted with the assistance of the Safe City Authority.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Defence-C Police Station, the women first met a Pakistani man in Singapore in October 2025 and later travelled to Pakistan after he arranged their visas.

The FIR states that the women alleged they were abducted on June 29 by the prime suspect and three accomplices, who demanded a ransom of $1.5 million and threatened to kill them if the amount was not paid.

The complainants also accused the suspects of repeated sexual assault during their captivity.

Police have registered a case under charges including kidnapping for ransom and rape. Four suspects have been arrested, while efforts are continuing to apprehend a fifth alleged accomplice.

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The victims have undergone medical examinations and recorded statements before a judicial magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Police said the medical reports have been received but would remain confidential because of the ongoing investigation.

A police spokesperson said the investigation was continuing and the final determination would be made by the court based on the available evidence.

Deputy Inspector General (Investigation) Syed Zeeshan Raza said the victims had been provided full legal assistance and reiterated that the safety of foreign nationals remained a state responsibility and a top priority.

“The law will take its course, and all those found responsible will face legal action,” he said.