A lot at stake: Dawood Ibrahim is one of the largest players in Pakistan's economy

Mumbai's Crime Branch has learnt that don Dawood Ibrahim has invested a whopping sum of almost Rs 10,000 crore in Karachi's stock market. "Karachi's stock market will collapse if Dawood withdraws his investments. He is probably one of the largest players in Pakistan's economy," said Additional Commissioner of Police (crime) Deven Bharti.

The startling revelation came to light after Dawood's key associate Karimullah Khan (46), who was arrested on Thursday, told crime branch sleuths of the gangster's investment in construction companies.

Karimullah said Dawood diverted his fortunes into the stock market after he was named 'Global Terrorist' in 2004, adding that he was one of the don's main conduits for investing in the stock market.

The revelation comes at a time when Indian intelligence agencies are already probing the possibility of Dawood having invested in Mumbai's stock exchange. The government is also working on a report that suggests terrorists have also invested in the Indian stock market.

Karimullah also dispelled rumours that the D-Company was on the verge of a split. He said there was no rift
between Dawood's younger brother Anees, and his second-in-command Chhota Shakeel. Pakistan's economy revolves round heroin trade, fake currency and arms supply, which are controlled by Anees. Aftab. Some companies also receive huge funds from al-Qaeda's network.

Karimullah also revealed that not only do Dawood's associates have free access to Karachi's international airport, they and his family are also protected by the ISI. He added that he did all the talking on the phone - threatening victims in Mumbai and Dubai - and knew the role of all members of the gang.

Meanwhile, CBI's Deputy Superintendent of Police Raman Tyagi said Karimullah would be tried for his role in the landing of arms and ammunition along the Shekadi coast in Raigad in 1993. Karimullah migrated in late 1993 to join hands with Dawood in Dubai.

Handsome reward for the informer Divyesh Nair Police arrested Dawood Ibrahim's trusted aide Karimullah Khan on Thursday acting on a tip-off by an informer, whose name has been withheld for security reasons. Crime branch officials say the informer will receive a handsome reward that could go up to Rs 5 lakh. According to sources, the D-Company has already launched a hunt for the informer. Karimmullah was living a low-profile life as a real estate agent in Nallasopara after his return from Karachi two years back. Crime branch officers posing as prospective buyers approached Karimullah and arrested him.