The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has rejected US claims that Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Shah Habibi was arrested by the General Directorate of Intelligence.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement that the IEA had inspected all relevant authorities, following a  petition by Habibi’s family, but there was no sign he was arrested by any IEA directorate.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as a legitimate system, does not need to keep anyone suspected of a crime in custody. Previously, citizens of some countries, including the United States, who were detained for violating the laws of Afghanistan, were in constant contact with their families,” the statement said.

“The judicial authorities have publicly proceeded and an agreement has been reached with their respective countries in this regard.”

The Islamic Emirate said it has tasked a permanent committee headed by the Complaints Hearing Agency to find missing people.

The committee will jointly work with the intelligence and security agencies to find those who have disappeared.

The US has claimed that Mahmood Shah Habibi, an American businessman, was detained by the General Directorate of Intelligence in Afghanistan on August 10, 2022.

It recently announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the location, recovery, and safe return of Habibi.