ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has achieved a major breakthrough in the “ISMMart Group Scam,” one of Pakistan’s largest financial fraud cases, by recovering Rs1 billion so far and distributing Rs600 million among 3,400 affected victims in the first phase.
A cheque distribution ceremony was held at NAB Headquarters, where Chairman NAB Lieutenant General (Retired) Nazir Ahmed presided over the event. Deputy Chairman Suhail Nasir, Prosecutor General Ehtesham Qadir Shah, DG NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi Waqar Ahmed Chauhan, senior NAB officials, and a large number of victims attended the ceremony.
According to NAB sources, the main accused of ISMMart scam used fake businesses in e-commerce, restaurants, and real estate to lure the public with unrealistic profit promises, allegedly looting around Rs3.5 billion from thousands of citizens. Nearly 3,400 victims approached NAB for legal action. The accused has been in custody since July 2024, while investigations are progressing swiftly.
NAB’s investigative team traced funds that had been transferred abroad through hundi, hawala, and cryptocurrency channels, particularly to the United Arab Emirates. Cooperation with UAE authorities is underway to ensure full repatriation of the remaining amounts.
Chairman NAB praised the performance of NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi’s investigation team, stating that public trust remains NAB’s greatest strength. He also announced that a nationwide awareness campaign will soon be launched to help citizens avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
DG NAB Islamabad/Rawalpindi termed this recovery drive as the “second gift” of 2026, following relief provided to victims of the Banker City case in January. He urged citizens to conduct thorough research before making investments.
To facilitate victims, NAB also announced that future repayments will be made through online bank transfers, sparing victims from repeated visits to offices.
The ceremony concluded with the chairman distributing shields to the investigation team and announcing Umrah packages as recognition of their efforts.