ACE recovers Rs15m in Multan registry scam, 2 more arrested

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Multan officials have so far recovered around Rs15 million in a major registry branch scam in Multan and arrested two more accused here allegedly involved in embezzlement and preparation of fake registration documents.

ACE spokesman said on Monday, the action was taken on the directions of Director General ACE Punjab Sohail Zafar Chattha under the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Regional Director ACE Multan Basharat Nabi. Circle officer ACE Multan Syed Ali Hassan Gilani led the raid and arrested accused Ansar Bhutta and his accomplice in connection with two separate cases.

The accused were wanted in FIR No. 11/25 registered with ACE Multan and FIR No. 1917/25 registered at Chehlyak police station in the registry branch scandal case.

The scam surfaced during a surprise visit by Multan Commissioner Rana Aamir Kareem Khan to the registry branch few months back, where alleged irregularities were detected.

Initial investigations revealed that deed writers and officials, including a sub-registrar, allegedly colluded to process property registrations using fake Challans and counterfeit stamp papers without depositing official fees into the national exchequer, causing losses worth millions of rupees.

Following the commissioner’s directives, the matter was referred to the Anti-Corruption Establishment, which initiated an inquiry and succeeded in recovering nearly Rs15 million so far, while further recoveries are expected as investigations continue.

During the investigation, officials also recovered fake stamp papers, forged official seals, laptops, and login records allegedly linked to the sub-registrar, which are being treated as crucial evidence in the case.

The ACE Punjab reiterated that strict legal action against corrupt elements would continue across the province in line with the government’s anti-corruption policy, and urged citizens to cooperate by reporting corrupt practices.