Notorious gang leader arrested in Afghanistan
Raees Khodaidad was allegedly involved in kidnapping, murder and robbery cases across the country and a warrant for his arrest had been issued eight years ago
KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - A notorious criminal gang leader was arrested in the Afghanistan capital of Kabul on Sunday night, security officials said.
According to the National Directorate of Security (NDS), Khodadad, also known as Raees Khodaidad, was arrested, along with two men, after an operation, which lasted for 36 hours.
“Raees Khodaidad, who was one of the most prominent, dangerous and skilled mafia leaders in Afghanistan, got arrested by our forces during an ultra-confidential and tough operation,” Haseeb Sediqi, National Directorate of Security spokesman said during a press conference on Monday.
He added that Raees Khodaidad was allegedly involved in kidnapping, murder and robbery cases across the country and a warrant for his arrest had been issued eight years ago.
“His arrest is a big victory (…) and a hope for Afghan businessmen and investors in Afghanistan. The name of Raees Khodaidad was a nightmare for every Afghan businessman, noble family, and even for Afghan officials,” Kabul university professor, Sebghatullah Rasikh told Anadolu Agency.
“He was leading a dangerous kidnapping network in the country and had been involved almost in nine of every ten kidnaping cases in Afghanistan,” he added.
According to Rasikh, the arrest of the gang leader can disclose roots of a bigger network and facilitate the capture of other members in Afghanistan and in neighboring countries.
Raees Khodaidad had managed to escape from jail some 10 years ago, and allegedly established a bigger network of criminals in the capital Kabul and in other provinces of Afghanistan.
According to the National Directorate of Security, Raees Khodaidad, had been using multiple identities and had been traveling through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and United Arab Emirates and was on the most wanted list of the Tajikistan police and Interpol.
Earlier this year, the Afghan police had arrested another alleged criminal gang leader, Habib Istalifi, who was reportedly plotting to kidnap a businessman in the capital Kabul.
Following his arrest, Kabul police chief, General Zahir Zahir had told the media that, Istalifi had offered him $2 million for his freedom.
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