4 linked to MoPH detained on graft charges

KABUL (Pajhwok): Intelligence agents and prosecutors have detained four individuals of the Ministry of Public Health on corruption charges.

A credible source confided to Pajhwok Afghan News the arrests came on Monday evening. The four detainnees are currently being interrogated at the Kabul police headquarters.

The source claimed the quartet had sought bribes from provincial health directors. As a result, National Directorate of Security (NDS) and AGO personnel nabbed them.

The detainees are Ahmad Shukran Usmani, the minister’s brother who has no official position in the ministry, Kawa Sarmastzada, Usmani’s cousin, Hamid Hameedi Faramaz, Usmani’s cousin, and Faraidoon Sultani, a senior advisor to the ministry.

A source in AGO verified the detention of the four individuals. However, it did not provide further details.

Another source in MoPH, said voice messages, in which Faridoon Sultani was seeking bribes, had been obtained by AGO. This led to the arrests.

AGO spokesman Jamshed Rasouli, meanwhile confided the arrests to Pajhwok, saying details would be shared with the media later in the day.

sa/mud