Peshawar police have arrested four suspects and recovered Rs35 million in cash following a bank heist on Monday. 

The robbery targeted a bulletproof cash van transporting funds for a private bank in the Hashtnagri area of Peshawar.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Masood Ahmed, the van driver was complicit in the crime. CCTV footage shows armed robbers on motorcycles forcing the van to stop before seizing the cash. 

The SSP revealed that the driver, who had been employed for only six months without proper background checks, had been fired from two previous jobs. His cooperation was crucial to the success of the robbery.

The robbers used a carry van and a motorcycle to transport the stolen money.  SSP Ahmed stated that the investigation revealed significant security lapses and violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly the driver opening the van’s door.

Despite these lapses, police acted swiftly, conducting multiple raids leading to the arrests. The suspects’ criminal records are currently being verified as the investigation continues. The bank had previously filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the theft.