RASC News Agency: Investigative reports from Kabul unveil a sinister Taliban scheme in which vulnerable young men are systematically ensnared and extorted through calculated deception. One of the group’s most insidious tactics involves the coercion of impoverished women, who are forced into serving as bait to lure unsuspecting victims into the Taliban’s grasp. This strategy not only imperils the safety and dignity of young men but has also become a lucrative revenue stream for the Taliban, sustained through blackmail and asset seizures. Women who have fallen victim to this scheme reveal that the Taliban deliberately target those in dire economic and social conditions, compelling them to act as pawns in their predatory operations. These women, often left with no alternative due to extreme poverty or direct Taliban threats, roam designated areas of Kabul, subtly signaling and enticing men to offer them a ride. Many of these men, oblivious to the orchestrated trap awaiting them, unwittingly step into a nightmare from which few emerge unscathed.
Once the vehicle reaches a predetermined location, armed Taliban militants ambush the scene, swiftly surrounding the car and accusing the young men of “immoral behavior.” Employing a calculated mix of intimidation and psychological terror, they coerce their victims into paying exorbitant sums for their release. Those unable to comply face immediate confiscation of their vehicles, mobile phones, and other valuables. In some cases, victims are compelled to surrender their properties to escape brutal retribution. Zarghuna, a woman previously ensnared in this coercive network, told RASC News Agency: “The Taliban use threats and intimidation to force women into this role. At first, I had no idea what was happening, but over time, I realized it was a highly organized extortion ring targeting men.”
Women who have been forcibly involved in this scheme recount that even those who manage to pay the demanded sums are not always released. Some victims are held hostage indefinitely, while others disappear without a trace. Samia, a woman who managed to escape Taliban control, recalled: “I once saw a young man who, even after paying, was not freed. The Taliban said they needed to make an example of him to send a message that no one should dare resist them. After that, he was never seen again.” According to these testimonies, the Taliban’s exploitation extends beyond financial extortion; they use such tactics to exert pressure on victims’ families as well. Many families, desperate to preserve their honor and secure their loved ones’ release, are pushed to financial ruin by the Taliban’s exorbitant demands. In cases where victims cannot afford the ransom, they are coerced into serving as spies or foot soldiers for the group.
Shahla, who was once forced into collaboration with the Taliban, told RASC News Agency: “The Taliban don’t just target men; they take women hostage as well. I have witnessed firsthand how they exploit destitute women. Some of those forced into this scheme have since vanished, and no one knows what became of them.” Through a relentless campaign of terror and threats of severe punishment, the Taliban ensure their victims remain silent. Many fear retribution or social disgrace, leaving them too terrified to speak out. As a result, the Taliban’s deceptive tactics have proliferated across Kabul, with the number of victims rising steadily.
Once a thriving and vibrant metropolis, Kabul has now been transformed into a hunting ground for the Taliban’s ruthless extortion network. Through a combination of brutality and calculated deception, they continue to ensnare young men and plunder their assets. The international community and human rights organizations must take immediate and decisive action to confront these atrocities and extend protection to the victims of Taliban oppression.
