By Zainab Shafiq 
A high-tech crime ring posing as ride-hailing drivers has been dismantled in Lahore, exposing how a fake inDrive app was used to trap and rob unsuspecting passengers. Police say the operation, led by Gulberg SHO Taimoor Abbas, ended with four arrests and the recovery of stolen goods, unlicensed weapons, and over 200 SIM cards.
The group’s tactics were as simple as they were dangerous, setting up fake driver accounts, responding to bookings, and then vanishing with valuables. In one case, a passenger’s trip from Jail Road turned into a heist worth millions of rupees.
AI Tracking, Stolen Goods, and a Mastermind Inside
The arrest followed a rapid response when the victim called the Police Helpline 15. A virtual patrolling officer from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority used AI-powered tracking and surveillance cameras to locate the suspects’ vehicle. The tip-off was passed to Lahore police, who moved in quickly to apprehend the gang.
The accused Faisal, Farhan, Kashif, and Waleed were allegedly running a small but well-coordinated criminal enterprise. Among the seizures were luxury goods, electronics, clothing, and two unlicensed pistols.
Investigations revealed that Farhan, a software operator once employed at the official inDrive office, was the brains behind the scheme. He allegedly created fake inDrive app accounts for his accomplices, exploiting insider knowledge to bypass verification systems. Farhan had also worked for Careem before the company ceased operations in Pakistan.
The gang didn’t limit itself to passenger rides. Just days earlier, a separate case saw a driver abscond with food and expensive utensils worth Rs 45,000 from a delivery booking, leaving a family stranded and sparking fresh concerns about using ride-hailing apps for courier services.
Tech and Police Partnership Key to Breakthrough
“This operation succeeded due to swift cooperation from inDrive’s team,” said SHO Abbas. “They provided the crucial digital trail that helped us track and arrest the suspects. Partnerships between tech companies and law enforcement are essential today, as criminals increasingly exploit digital platforms for fraud.”
The incident has prompted renewed safety warnings. Police are urging citizens to avoid unofficial platforms or suspicious offers and to only book rides through the verified inDrive application.
Authorities say the arrests have disrupted a wider pattern of theft targeting commuters in major cities, but caution that similar scams could resurface if riders let their guard down. With ride-hailing now embedded in daily life, the takedown of this fake inDrive app gang is a reminder that convenience can sometimes come at a cost, unless users stay vigilant
Also, see:
PM Laptop Scheme 2025: Shehbaz Sharif Pledges 100,000 Free Devices for Top Students