RASC News Agency: Sources within the Taliban report that the group’s leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, has dismissed Mohammad Bara, the head of Taliban intelligence in Nangarhar, due to extensive financial corruption. On Saturday, sources disclosed that Mohammad Bara’s aide had embezzled 30 million kabuli rupees. Shahin, a close associate of Bara, was arrested on charges of misappropriating these funds. During the investigation, Shahin confessed that he had collected the money on Bara’s orders. Following the revelation of this corruption, Bara’s case was transferred to Kandahar, and Mullah Hibatullah subsequently ordered his dismissal.
The Taliban have not publicly announced Bara’s removal. It is notable that Bara lost two brothers in the conflict against the former Afghanistan security forces and spent five years imprisoned in Bagram. Sources also allege that Bara was implicated in the deaths of two prisoners in Nangarhar during his tenure. The prisoners reportedly succumbed to severe torture during interrogations. They had been detained on suspicion of affiliation with ISIS.
According to these sources, Bara led a modest life before his appointments in Kapisa and Nangarhar. However, after ascending to governmental positions, he accumulated significant wealth. It is alleged that Bara had three wives and recently married a 15-year-old girl. The former Taliban intelligence chief in Nangarhar reportedly constructed a luxurious residence in Logar and led an opulent lifestyle in Kabul. Meanwhile, another source revealed that Abdul Basir, also known as Mishal Afghan, the intelligence chief of the Taliban’s Supreme Court, has been dismissed on similar charges of financial corruption.
The source stated that despite Abdul Basir’s financial misconduct being “proven” following investigations, he has not been arrested. The source further disclosed that Mishal Afghan used his ill-gotten wealth to purchase a house in Turkey. Prior to the fall of the previous government, Mishal Afghan was a member of the Taliban’s media office in Qatar. Following their takeover of Afghanistan, the Taliban declared their commitment to combating administrative and financial corruption. Taliban leaders repeatedly urged their members to avoid luxurious lifestyles and financial misconduct.
Nevertheless, many Taliban members across various ranks now lead lavish lives. They have not only seized the private homes of former government officials but have also acquired expensive properties and vehicles for themselves, enjoying a life of luxury. Some Taliban members have even ventured into business, exploiting their governmental power. Over the past three years, there have been numerous reports of financial corruption among Taliban officials, and citizens have expressed growing frustration over the increase in corruption and the spread of bribery within Taliban-controlled administrations.
