KARACHI: A domestic worker in Defence Housing Authority has been arrested after police discovered assets worth millions of rupees, far exceeding his Rs45,000 monthly salary, while working for an elderly couple.
Investigators identified the suspect as Wajid Ali, saying he maintained four bank accounts that recorded transactions totalling Rs18.6 million.
Police further alleged that he purchased a flat in Karachi and plots in Haripur and Islamabad using stolen funds, while gold valued at over Rs10 million was also recovered. He additionally bought a passenger van operating on the Haripur route, investigators added.
Officials said the arrest was made on Friday by the Sahil Investigation Police, who are continuing to probe the source of the stolen funds.
According to officials, the couple had employed the suspect eight years ago; over time, he gained their trust and access to bank accounts, lockers and other valuables, with large monthly remittances from the couple’s son and daughter abroad also flowing into the household.
After the elderly man’s death four years ago, the suspect continued caring for the widow and allegedly began stealing during that period, police said.
Earlier this year, a similar theft case surfaced tied to a residence in Defence. The prime suspect, Shehnaz, a long-serving domestic worker, was arrested along with her son and the driver.
According to the investigating officer at the time, police recovered about Rs4.5 million in cash, three vehicles (two cars and a motorbike), and secured documents for a shop worth around Rs7 million plus two to three flats placed under custody pending verification.
The officer said two bank accounts linked to the suspect held Rs3.1 million. Shehnaz had reportedly worked for the family for about 15 years, employed eight other maids, and allegedly began stealing despite the family’s trust.
