Malik Riaz Receives Death Threat, Ransom Demand for 50 Bitcoin
Controversial property tycoon Malik Riaz’s security officer, Colonel (retd) Khalil Ur Rehman, has lodged a case at Islamabad’s Aabpara police station against an unidentified individual for issuing death threats to the real estate magnate.
According to the widely circulated First Information Report (FIR), an email was sent to Malik Riaz on January 12 at 4:15 PM, demanding a ransom of 50 Bitcoin—equivalent to over PKR 1.42 billion. The email warned that failure to comply would put both Riaz and his family members in danger.
The email also mentioned that Riaz’s relatives, including his son Ahmed Ali, reside in Gulf countries and the West. It stated, “If you want to save these family members’ lives, transfer 50 Bitcoin to the given address, otherwise, the mujahideen of Tehrik are not far from your drawing rooms.”
The FIR further revealed that after the threatening email was sent, an unidentified individual visited the area where Malik Riaz’s daughter resides—also the residence where he stays. The suspect reportedly took photos and videos of the property, raising concerns about security. Surveillance footage captured the person filming the house, causing distress to the household.
Although the email appeared to have been sent from Switzerland, investigators believe that the ransom demand and the scouting of Riaz’s house indicate that the email likely originated from Pakistan.
NAB’s Pursuit of Malik Riaz
Following the conviction of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case on January 17, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) issued a press release on January 22, declaring Malik Riaz an absconder in the same case. The bureau confirmed that multiple assets linked to him had already been frozen.
NAB also warned the public against investing in Riaz’s latest real estate project in Dubai, UAE, stating, “If the general public invests in the stated project, their actions could amount to money laundering, leading to criminal or legal proceedings.”
In response, Malik Riaz took to X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, posting a cryptic warning: “I am holding back, but there is a storm within me. If this dam breaks, then everyone’s façade will shatter. Don’t forget that the secrets of the past 25–30 years are preserved along with evidence.”
Extradition Efforts Underway
According to sources, NAB has requested the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to initiate Malik Riaz’s extradition to Pakistan. The FIA is expected to secure his return from the UAE through INTERPOL and hand him over to the accountability bureau for further legal proceedings.