NAB Refunds Rs878.7M to B4U Scam Victims

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has disbursed Rs878.7 million to over 5,000 victims of the B4U financial scam via direct online transfers, marking the largest and fastest repayment of recovered funds to fraud victims in Pakistan’s history.

On Wednesday, NAB’s Islamabad/Rawalpindi bureau confirmed that 5,008 affected individuals received refunds directly into their bank accounts in a single day through a newly launched digital disbursement system. This initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure transparency in managing recovered funds.

NAB Chairman Lt. Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed hailed the move as a milestone, emphasizing that the new policy removes the need for victims to visit NAB offices physically, a process that previously caused bottlenecks and slowed disbursements. “Through technology, we are making the refund process more effective, transparent, and hassle-free,” he stated.

The bureau has formalized an agreement with the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to streamline future online transfers, ensuring repayments are deposited directly into victims’ accounts, minimizing mismanagement risks and delays.

The B4U fraud, one of Pakistan’s most infamous scams, defrauded thousands of investors of billions of rupees with promises of high returns. Operating as a Ponzi scheme under multiple entities, it collapsed after amassing funds nationwide.

Following widespread complaints, NAB launched investigations, recovering significant sums through asset seizures and legal proceedings. Historically, distribution of recovered funds was hampered by prolonged waiting times and complex verification processes, leaving victims uncertain about reclaiming their investments.

Industry sources noted that the digital refund system could reshape public perception of NAB, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and lack of transparency in tackling white-collar crime. By ensuring direct deposits, NAB aims to demonstrate accountability and rebuild trust among disillusioned victims.

Sources also suggested that digital disbursement could set a precedent for future cases, establishing a standardized mechanism for returning funds to victims of financial crimes. In a nation where investment frauds often leave small investors without recourse, this model could enhance deterrence by showcasing effective restitution.

The scale of Wednesday’s disbursement highlights the pivotal role of technology in governance. Crediting over 5,000 accounts in one day, NAB demonstrated the efficiency of digital platforms in handling large-scale transactions, vital for fraud cases and future state-led compensation programs.

For B4U scam victims, many awaiting restitution for years, the online transfers offer long-overdue relief. Legal experts note that while asset recovery in fraud cases remains complex, transparent refund systems ensure recovered sums reach rightful owners without added hardship.