Taliban Kabul Mayor Arrested on Corruption Charges

Abdul Rashid Baloch, the mayor of Kabul appointed by the Taliban shortly after their takeover, has been arrested on corruption charges. The arrest took place in Kandahar more than 20 days prior to reports emerging about the incident.

Baloch had traveled to Kandahar to follow up on corruption cases involving officials who had been dismissed from the Kabul municipality. His detention is connected to allegations of corruption in several major municipal projects undertaken during his tenure.

Prior to his role in Kabul, Baloch was appointed as the Taliban's shadow governor of Nimroz province in 2008. He continued in that position until 2012. In June 2015, the United States Department of the Treasury designated him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This action was taken due to his alleged activities as a liaison for the Taliban with al-Qaeda and his involvement in facilitating drug money transfers.

Under Baloch's leadership of the Kabul municipality, nearly 29 billion afghanis were collected in revenue. This collection spanned from the time of the Taliban takeover through the year 1405. Accusations against Baloch and other officials center on irregularities in large-scale projects managed by the municipality.

The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding corruption within administrative bodies. Baloch's long association with the Taliban dates back to his earlier appointments in provincial roles.