The United States (US) authorities have announced a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Faheem Akram, a software engineer from Khanewal, Punjab.
The reward is around Rs28 million. Akram, 33, is wanted in the US over an alleged fake postage scheme.
According to US authorities, Akram ran a website called LabelsBank.com. The website was allegedly used to sell fake shipping labels and postage stamps to people in the US.
US Attorney Jason Redding and the US Postal Inspection Service issued a statement about the case.
What is Faheem Akram accused of?
US investigators said Akram sold more than 5 million fake shipping labels through the website.
Authorities said the scheme caused the US Postal Service losses of around $126 million. This is about Rs35 billion.
The website has now been shut down by the authorities.
Akram is currently missing. US authorities have asked the public to share any information that could help find him.
What have authorities said?
US Attorney Jason Redding warned people not to try to arrest Akram themselves. He asked anyone with information to contact security authorities.
Khanewal District Police Officer Abid Waraich also confirmed that Akram is a resident of Khanewal City. He said Akram works as a software engineer.
According to the police officer, Akram had reportedly been involved in similar online fraud in Pakistan in the past. However, no formal case had been registered against him in Pakistan.
“We shut down his website. Now we need your help finding him,” the post on X read.
“Faheem Akram is charged with operating a counterfeit postage scheme that allegedly sold more than 5 million fake shipping labels and caused more than $126 million in losses to the U.S. Postal Service,” it added.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction,” it said.
“If you know where he is, call Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and say “Law Enforcement.”
“Do not attempt to apprehend him yourself,” it concluded.
