QUETTA: Police in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province have arrested three suspects, including two university students, in connection with a Rs202 million ($720,000) bank robbery in Lasbela district, solving the high-profile case nearly 18 months after the heist, officials said.
The robbery took place in February 2025 at a National Bank of Pakistan branch in Uthal, where the suspects allegedly made off with Rs202 million.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Zohaib, Ghulam Murtaza and Bilal Akram, all residents of Kalat district, police said.
Investigators have described Zohaib as the alleged mastermind behind the robbery. According to police, he was reportedly inspired by the character known as the Professor in the popular crime series Money Heist.
Police said Zohaib and Ghulam Murtaza were enrolled in the fourth semester at a university, while Bilal Akram completed his university education in 2025.
During the investigation, police recovered two cars, a motorcycle and a cargo rickshaw allegedly purchased with the stolen money. Investigators also identified other items believed to have been used in the robbery.
According to investigators, a substantial portion of the stolen cash was transferred into Zohaib’s bank account, while another amount was deposited into the account of a businessman.
Police said Station House Officer Yar Muhammad was wounded by gunfire during the robbery.
Authorities are conducting raids to arrest two other suspects believed to have been involved in the heist.
The three arrested suspects were subsequently transferred to jail after completing a 14-day period of physical remand, according to the report.
