The Karachi additional inspector general of police has constituted a special team to investigate the kidnapping and murder of Mustafa Amir, an incident that has become the talk of the town and created serious concerns over organised crime in the city.
However, the absence of key federal agencies in the probe seems an issue to some experts who believe that the case involves virtual currency transactions and an international drug cartel, making it one of the most complex and serious criminal investigations in recent times.
They point out that since the very first day of Amir’s kidnapping, a sensitive intelligence agency had been working on the case. However, they believe that without the inclusion of key federal agencies such as the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other sensitive institutions, the investigation could be at risk of failure.
Experts have suggested that instead of a joint investigation team (JIT), a joint interrogation team (JIT) should have been formed for the high-profile case. According to an official order issued on Thursday, the investigation will be led by Criminal Investigation Agency (CIA) DIG Muqaddas Haider, who will oversee a team of senior police officers from multiple investigative units, including the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) SSP Anil Haider, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) SSP Irfan Bahadur, and SSPs of three district investigation wings — SSP Investigation East Aleena Rajper, SSP Investigation Korangi Qais Khan and SSP Investigation Keamari Azhar Javed.
The team has been tasked with identifying and arresting all individuals involved in the crime, including those assisting in the kidnapping and murder. Additionally, they will investigate the drug syndicate allegedly linked with the suspects.
The CIA DIG has been directed to submit a progress report by March 3, 2025. Two major revelations came to light in the murder case — the drug cartel and digital crime. However, interestingly, the agencies that specialise in these areas have yet to take active steps to investigate these issues.
Since police investigators lack expertise in solving digital crime cases, and concrete evidence has emerged regarding Armaghan’s involvement in digital crimes, obtaining proof of his converted digital currency assets has become a challenge.
Due to this, the CIA police have already requested assistance from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), but the Anti-Narcotics Force has yet to be involved in the matter. Armaghan's multiple merchant accounts, which were allegedly part of his fraudulent network, have made the investigation even more complicated. The evidence points out his possible involvement in financial crimes and high-tech fraud using digital payment systems.
Meanwhile, following new information obtained from Sahir Hassan, who was arrested in a drug-related case linked to the Mustafa Amir murder case, the police have now included the manager of Sahir’s father Sajid Hassan in the investigation.
According to police investigators, the purchase and sale of narcotics was conducted through various social media apps. Additionally, there is growing suspicion that several key individuals involved in the drug trade have either fled abroad or gone into hiding.
Investigators claim that there are 15 to 20 suspects under serious suspicion, and police teams are actively working on tracking them down. Over revelations in the Mustafa Amir murder case, a Senate standing committee has summoned the Sindh IGP. Additionally, Karachi Additional IG Javed Alam Odho and DIG Haider were called by the Sindh chief minister for a detailed briefing on the case on Thursday.