Peshawar – The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has intensified its investigation into the province’s largest-ever corruption case involving Rs. 40 billion in embezzled funds related to the Kohistan mega scandal.
According to NAB sources, the Peshawar Accountability Court has rejected the interim bail plea of the main accused, contractor Muhammad Ayub, and handed him over to NAB custody for further interrogation.
NAB has officially upgraded the inquiry into a formal investigation following new and shocking revelations.So far, the bureau has recovered and frozen assets worth Rs. 25 billion, believed to have been acquired through embezzled public funds.
Among the confiscated assets is a luxurious bungalow allegedly purchased with illicit money. NAB has also taken possession of 77 high end vehicles valued at approximately Rs. 940 million, Rs.1 billion in cash, and 3 kilograms of gold.
Authorities have frozen 73 bank accounts containing over Rs. 5 billion. Additionally, 30 houses, 25 flats, and 4 farmhouse properties have been seized as part of the investigation. In total, 109 properties worth Rs. 17 billion have been confiscated in connection with the Kohistan corruption scandal.
Sources further revealed that Rs. 3 billion were transferred into accounts held by Muhammad Ayub, prompting his arrest. In a startling disclosure, a house belonging to politician Azam Swati was also allegedly purchased using money from the corruption network.
NAB sources added that the corrupt network includes a wide nexus of government Officers Officials, Contractors, and banking personnel.More high-profile arrests are expected within the next 24 to 48 hours as the investigation moves forward.
The case is being seen as one of the most extensive crackdowns on financial corruption in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
