Gold Medalist Laiba Ejaz case: Suspect confesses to fraud, say sources

ISLAMABAD: In a major development in the case of gold medalist Laiba Ejaz, who died by suicide, the arrested suspect, Nauman, reportedly confessing to defrauding the student, according to sources.

Sources said Nauman came into contact with Laiba in February this year through her friend, Aiza Fatima.

Laiba and Aiza had jointly launched an online TikTok shop, but the venture failed to gain traction, sources added.

According to sources, Aiza Fatima has a brother, Azhar, who resides in the United States. Laiba had reportedly asked Aiza to help her obtain a US visa.

Investigators suspect that Nauman subsequently contacted Laiba using another phone number while impersonating Aiza. He allegedly created a fake Gmail account in the name of Aiza’s brother, Azhar, and remained in contact with Laiba through the two fraudulent accounts.

Sources further said the suspect prepared documents for Laiba’s student visa using artificial intelligence (AI).

Investigators have obtained some portions of the suspect’s chat records, while his mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination to gather further evidence, sources added.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect remain subject to verification through the legal process.