Over 100m AFs Embezzled In Herat Martyrs Scam Annually

AVA- Leaked documents seen by TOLOnews shows that over 100 million AFs is being embezzled annually in Herat’s department of  Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled.

This is money that should be going to the families of martyrs.

According to the document, certain individuals are forging identity cards used by the families of martyrs and are getting away with about 100 million AFs a year.

Officials from the department have confirmed the problem but said they recently arrested a woman who was involved in the scam.

“We did not surrender to the pressure, we did not manage to identify all those who had gotten the money, but fortunately we succeeded to identify some circles,” said Qayoum Afghan, the head of Herat Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled department.

In addition, Herat Attorney General’s Office has said that syndicates that have forged the ID cards have stolen millions of AFs.

“A number of employees of the Herat Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (department) have been arrested - where these cards are processed; five individuals were arrested and some others are also under investigation who are allegedly involved in it,” said Azizullah Hejran, head of Herat anti-corruption court.

According to reports, hundreds of families in the province have been getting the money through these fake cards.

“We are ready to ask for justice from the anti-corruption committee and civil society institutions so that the culprits behind the case are brought to justice,” said Abdul Qudos Yasinzada, a member of Herat’s anti-corruption committee.

Herat Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled department officials said so far this year the concerned department has saved 140 million Afs after identifying some people involved in the scam.