Police investigating the death of International Islamic University Islamabad graduate Laiba Ijaz have alleged that artificial intelligence may have been used as part of a suspected US visa fraud scheme. According to police sources, the prime suspect, Muhammad Noman, allegedly used ChatGPT to impersonate a woman and her brother during online conversations with Laiba, creating the impression that he could facilitate her admission to a university in the United States and assist with her visa process. Authorities claim the conversations formed part of a broader effort to convince the student that her application was progressing successfully. The case has attracted significant attention because investigators are examining not only the alleged financial deception but also the reported use of AI tools to support online impersonation during communications. Police have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that digital evidence is being reviewed to establish the sequence of events.
According to investigators, Laiba, who had earned a gold medal after completing her BS degree from International Islamic University Islamabad, intended to continue her education in the United States. Police sources said the suspect first came into contact with her in March 2023 after she applied for an internship at an insurance company where he was employed. Although she did not join the internship because she was engaged in tuition work, investigators said the suspect later hired Laiba, her mother, and her sister to promote a tuck shop. Police further stated that the business was managed by a woman identified as Aiza, whose brother was said to be living in the United States. When Laiba later sought assistance regarding a US visa, the suspect allegedly told her that the process could be arranged through Aiza’s brother. During the preliminary investigation, police claimed that another online account was created in Aiza’s name and that ChatGPT was allegedly used to assist in impersonating both Aiza and her brother during conversations with Laiba. Investigators also allege that documents presented during the process appeared authentic, leading Laiba to believe that her admission and visa arrangements were progressing.
Police sources said Laiba later became concerned after her reported visa interview date was changed several times, first to September 1, then September 17, and later September 26. Investigators stated that after independently reviewing the documents, she concluded they were not genuine. According to police, Laiba had reportedly provided approximately Rs2.1 million, which her father had obtained through the sale of a plot, along with jewellery belonging to her stepmother, in connection with the proposed study arrangements. Police further alleged that she later requested the return of the jewellery, indicating that financial matters could be addressed afterward. Investigators claim that communication between the suspect and Laiba subsequently became limited before eventually stopping altogether. Following the investigation, Muhammad Noman was taken into police custody from Islamabad’s H 13 sector and was later handed over to investigators on a five day physical remand by a judicial magistrate to facilitate further inquiries. Authorities have also indicated that they suspect additional individuals may have been affected through similar methods, although this remains subject to investigation. Police stated that data had reportedly been removed from the suspect’s mobile phone before he was taken into custody and that forensic examination has been planned to recover deleted information and identify any potential additional victims.
Investigators also noted that the case follows other recent incidents in Pakistan where artificial intelligence chatbots have featured during criminal investigations. One case in Bahawalpur involved a 17 year old student who was taken into custody after investigators alleged he had consulted an AI chatbot while seeking information related to poison during an alleged attempt involving his father. Another case in Karachi involved a separate 17 year old who came under investigation after alleged conversations with an AI chatbot regarding a murder related scenario. In that instance, the teenager denied any criminal intent, stating that the conversations were conducted as research for a story, and authorities reported that no offence had been established at the time. Police handling the Laiba case continue to examine digital evidence, forensic findings, and witness statements as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged visa fraud scheme and the reported use of artificial intelligence during the communications.
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