Lahore Bank Robbery: British-Born Suspect Allegedly Inspired by Netflix Series, Police Say
LAHORE: Police have made significant progress in the investigation into a bank robbery in Lahore, saying the arrested suspect, identified as Subhan, allegedly planned the crime after watching a Netflix series.
According to police, the suspect had driven a taxi in Scotland for six years before returning to Pakistan on September 16. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Kamran Faisal said the suspect had arrived from the United Kingdom with £1,200, which had been spent. Following a dispute with his family over money, he allegedly planned the robbery after watching a Netflix series.
Police said the suspect purchased a pistol from Sialkot in April for Rs45,000 and later bought ammunition for Rs20,000 from the Thokar Niaz Baig area of Lahore. The individuals suspected of selling him the weapon have also been included in the investigation.
According to investigators, the suspect conducted reconnaissance of the bank before the robbery and selected the branch after considering its parking arrangements and ease of movement.
Robbery Completed in Nine Minutes
The robbery took place at a private bank near Bhatta Chowk in Lahore’s Southern Cantonment area, where an armed robber allegedly stole Rs700,000 from the cash counter.
CCTV footage of the incident has emerged, showing a masked gunman arriving at the bank in an expensive car and speaking in English during the robbery.
According to the footage, the suspect held two security guards hostage and, at gunpoint, instructed one guard to retrieve a suitcase from the vehicle. He then pointed his pistol at one guard and forced the other to place his weapon on the ground.
The suspect subsequently held one of the guards at gunpoint and made his way to the cash counter, from where he allegedly took the money.
DIG Operations Kamran Faisal said the robbery was completed in nine minutes. Police received the initial call about the incident at 9:19am and traced the suspect with the help of CCTV footage.
Suspect Arrested After Returning Home
Police said the suspect went directly home after the robbery but was later arrested during a raid at a private housing society.
According to investigators, the suspect had planned to flee to Islamabad after the incident. He allegedly intended to park the car at an under-construction house, switch vehicles and then travel to the federal capital.
Police said the suspect had been living alone in Lahore while his family remained in the United Kingdom.
The investigation is continuing, including inquiries into the purchase of the weapon and ammunition and the suspect’s alleged preparations for the robbery.
