PESHAWAR: In one of the biggest corruption cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s history, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched a formal investigation into the Kohtistan mega corruption scandal, recovering and freezing over Rs25 billion worth of illegal assets.
This Kohistan corruption case involves a powerful network of government officials, contractors and banking staff accused of embezzling billions from public funds. The fraud remained undetected for years, highlighting serious gaps in financial oversight and governance in the province.
NAB officials confirmed the recovery of over Rs1 billion in cash, large sums in foreign currency and three kilograms of gold. Additionally, 73 bank accounts with more than Rs5 billion have been frozen as part of the inquiry.
Investigators into the Kohistan corruption scam have also confiscated 77 luxury vehicles and 109 properties across major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Abbottabad and Mansehra. These properties include high-end farmhouses, commercial plazas, residential homes, penthouses, and 175 kanals of agricultural land, estimated to be worth Rs17 billion.
In a key breakthrough, NAB arrested contractor Muhammad Ayub, whose account received Rs3 billion in suspicious transfers. Sources claim that Ayub used the embezzled money to purchase a house from senior politician Azam Swati.
More arrests of high-profile individuals are expected soon, as NAB deepens its crackdown on those involved in the scam.
An official from NAB KP stated, “This isn’t just corruption: it’s organized looting of public wealth. We are committed to bringing every individual to justice, regardless of their status or influence.”