The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has obtained six months of Binance and cryptocurrency data linked to Mir Raza Ali. Sources said that the data was collected as part of the investigation into the 25-year-old businessman’s death. The information has also been shared with the investigation committee and judicial commission.
Police have asked the NCCIA to analyze the records and explain the Binance transactions in simple terms. The agency has technical and coding experts who can examine the data. Investigators want to determine how many cryptocurrency transactions were made each day during the six-month period. The NCCIA is expected to submit its analysis to police shortly.
The data was reportedly provided in a format similar to call detail records. A soft copy has already been handed to the relevant authorities, according to sources.
The Mir Raza Ali case
Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and young businessman, went missing on July 28. His bullet-riddled body was found the next day in bushes near Shahi Qila Ground. The case initially focused on his disappearance. Police later converted it into a murder case after a second post-mortem examination.
Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code was added to the FIR following the fresh examination. A new investigation team was also formed to examine the case. Raza’s family has consistently maintained that he was murdered. His father also rejected suggestions that his death could have been a suicide.
The investigation has since expanded to include digital evidence, forensic reports, CCTV footage, and financial records. Investigators have also sought help from the NCCIA to examine Raza’s digital footprint. The case is now being reviewed by a judicial commission. The commission was formed after concerns were raised over the handling of the investigation.
Digital evidence remains a key part of the probe
Investigators have examined Raza’s iPhone and Apple Watch as part of the digital evidence. Earlier, CTD Sindh managed to unlock the Apple Watch and recover some data. The watch contained screenshots, messages, and transaction-related information. However, investigators later said the recovered material was not significant enough to resolve the case.
The Punjab Forensic Science Agency was also asked to examine the devices. However, the agency reportedly failed to access Raza’s iPhone. The forensic agency informed the investigation committee in writing about the issue. The iPhone and Apple Watch are now expected to return to the investigation committee.
The latest Binance data could therefore provide investigators with another digital trail. Police hope the NCCIA’s analysis will clarify the transactions and their timing. However, the cryptocurrency records alone may not establish what happened to Raza. Investigators will need to compare the data with other evidence before drawing conclusions.
The police have yet to identify an accused person in the case. An interim report submitted to a Karachi court said investigators had not yet made a breakthrough.
