Reports from the United States indicate that Mirza Katawazai, a former Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan’s House of Representatives, was detained by U.S. authorities upon arrival at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.
Informed sources have stated that his case is under investigation in connection with financial allegations and the examination of possible activities linked to networks associated with the Taliban. However, U.S. officials have not yet officially released full details of the case or the specific charges involved.
Anisa Shaheed, a journalist based in the United States, reported, citing her sources, that Mirza Katawazai is accused of transferring gold and financial assets of unclear origin to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and other destinations.
According to the report, it has been alleged that these transfers were intended to provide financial support to networks affiliated with the Taliban. Sources also claimed that he maintained close ties with Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting Minister of Interior.
Despite these allegations, no judicial authority in the United States has so far released official details of the charges or any related evidence, and it remains unclear at what stage the investigation currently stands.
Mirza Katawazai has not yet publicly responded to these reports.
The reports come at a time when international security and financial institutions have increased scrutiny in recent years of suspicious financial flows and potential financing networks linked to sanctioned groups.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
