Amidst speculation surrounding the alleged poisoning and hospitalization of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan, credible intelligence sources have discredited these rumors that surfaced on social media on December 17.
The baseless claims gained traction after a late-night video from a Pakistani YouTuber, who, relying on unverified social media reports, speculated on Ibrahim's poisoning and hospitalization.
Attempting to link these rumors to an abrupt internet shutdown in Pakistan, the YouTuber suggested a connection to a virtual meeting of the opposition Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, authoritative sources dismissed these assertions, attributing the connectivity disruptions to the PTI's online political gathering.
It is worth noting that Netblocks, a global internet freedom watchdog, released metrics indicating significant restrictions on major social media platforms in Pakistan for approximately seven hours on Sunday evening, coinciding with the PTI's online political gathering.
Addressing the incident, Netblocks stated, "The incident is consistent with previous instances of internet censorship targeting opposition leader Imran Khan and his party PTI."
Despite international sanctions, Dawood Ibrahim and his family have reportedly enjoyed the protection and hospitality of Pakistan’s deep state for several decades.
Insights into Ibrahim's lifestyle emerged from intercepted calls between the leader of the 'D Company' and his associate Farooq. In a previously undisclosed conversation accessed by India Today, Ibrahim is heard instructing Farooq to procure Louis Vuitton (LV) shoes for him from a store in Jeddah.
During the intercepted call, Ibrahim specifies, 'My size is 42, consider it number 9.' The gangster explains the UK and EU size differences and makes reference to his past shopping experience in Jeddah. Farooq informs Ibrahim about his plans to leave for Mecca after Friday prayers the next day and return to Pakistan on Sunday. Dawood Ibrahim also requests him to bring holy Zamzam water.
In another undated conversation involving his first wife Maizabin and an unidentified associate identified as a ‘brother-like figure,’ plans for a trip that includes a makeup budget of Pakistani Rupees 2 lakh are discussed. The person assures Maizabin that makeup expenses will be taken care of, and she mentions identifying an LV bag worth 1.40 lakh United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) and a shawl worth 10 lakh.
These revelations shed light on the luxurious preferences of the fugitive, even as he and his network navigate the complexities of international scrutiny and sanctions. Evading Indian law enforcement agencies and global sanctions, the 67-year-old Ibrahim is believed to be involved in activities such as international narcotics smuggling, illegal arms trade, real estate, money laundering, and terrorism.
