The Banking Mohtasib has ordered MCB Bank to refund millions after finding internal fraud by a branch manager, raising fresh concerns over customer safety and bank accountability.
WEBDESK – Courtesy: TechJuice – January 28, 2026
The Banking Mohtasib Pakistan has directed Muslim Commercial Bank Limited (MCB) to refund PKR 3,050,000 to a customer after finding that an MCB branch manager unlawfully withdrew and misused clients’ funds, highlighting concerns about internal controls and customer trust at one of Pakistan’s largest banks.
In its formal decision, the Ombudsman’s office said bank records show the branch manager, identified as Saeed Arif, had multiple customer cheques and used them to make fraudulent withdrawals rather than processing legitimate deposits. According to the ruling, Arif submitted fake term deposit applications bearing his own signature, affixed branch transfer stamps, and issued cheques purportedly on behalf of customers, rather than actually placing their funds into term accounts.
The finding adds that funds received from instruments issued by other banks were credited not to the actual beneficiaries, but into an account belonging to the branch manager’s nephew, Muneeb Nasir, whom he allegedly operated using virtual debit cards (VDCs) and cheques.
What Happened to MCB Customers?
Customers whose instruments were misused believed their money was being securely invested or held as deposits. Instead, the Ombudsman found, their funds were diverted without consent, leaving them deprived of access to money they expected to be in safe custody.
In this case, the Banking Mohtasib determined that the total amount taken unlawfully by the branch manager was PKR 3.05 million — the same sum the Ombudsman has ordered returned to the complainant. The ruling also requires MCB to cover any applicable service charges associated with the dispute and to report its compliance back to the office of the Banking Mohtasib.
MCB’s Version and Response
In the officially published Mohtasib order, MCB did not provide an immediate public comment explaining its position or detailing any additional actions it plans to take. The Ombudsman’s document notes that bank staff members were dismissed for violating the institution’s code of conduct, and one FIR has been lodged against the manager at another branch, indicating criminal proceedings are likely underway.
MCB has been ordered to fully comply with the refund directive and to officially report back on how and when the refund and related corrective measures were carried out. A forthcoming formal statement from MCB is expected to clarify:
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What disciplinary action has been taken beyond dismissals?
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Whether law enforcement or regulatory authorities have been engaged;
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What measures are being introduced to strengthen internal controls and fraud detection across branches?
Broader Customer Concerns
While this case revolves around one branch and manager, financial experts say it raises broader questions about the safeguards in place at major banking institutions and how quickly customers can recover lost funds when fraud occurs. The decision reinforces the legal principle that employers, including banks, are vicariously liable for fraud committed by employees in the course of their duties, meaning customers can seek recourse when internal wrongdoing leads to financial loss.
Experts and consumer advocates say the ruling may encourage other customers facing similar issues to bring complaints forward, placing renewed scrutiny on how Pakistan’s banking sector addresses insider fraud and protective oversight.
