ISLAMABAD: A major development has emerged in the case of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) gold medallist Laiba Ijaz, as the arrested suspect, Noman, has reportedly confessed to defrauding the student, investigation sources said.
According to sources, Noman came into contact with Laiba in February this year through his friend, Aiza Fatima.
Laiba and Aiza had reportedly started an online TikTok shop together, but the business failed, sources said.
Investigators said Laiba later approached Aiza for assistance in obtaining a US visa. Taking advantage of the situation, Noman allegedly contacted Laiba using a second phone number while impersonating Aiza.
Sources further claimed that the suspect created a fake Gmail account in the name of Aiza’s brother, Azhar, who lives in the United States, and remained in contact with Laiba through the two fraudulent accounts.
According to the investigation, Noman allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare fake documents for Laiba’s student visa.
Investigators have obtained part of the suspect’s chat history, while his mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination to collect further evidence, sources said.
Laiba, a gold medallist at IIUI, was defrauded of Rs9.3 million after being promised a US visa, a scholarship and admission to a university in the United States.
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Police arrested Noman in Islamabad’s H-13 sector in connection with the fraud involving fake US university admission documents.
Investigators have also reportedly found evidence on his mobile phone relating to online fraud and the blackmailing of women.
Laiba died by suicide after discovering the alleged scam, which reportedly caused severe distress to her and her family. Her family had sold land and pawned jewellery to arrange money for the promised overseas education opportunity.