Sharp Rise in Kidnapping Money Changers in Kabul

Kabul Sarai-e-Shahzada Money Changers Union voiced deep concerns over the increase of kidnapping money changers in the capital Kabul.

Kabul Money Changers Union has declared that nearly a hundred money changers have been kidnapped or their money have stolen since the beginning of the current solar year.

According to them, most of the kidnappers use Afghan military clothing and equipments.

They said one million dollars was stolen from a money changer in Sarobi district of Kabul a month ago, the perpetrators were arrested but they still have not been punished.

Many of those kidnapped were freed after they paid the ransom money, but some remained missing and others were found dead after being abducted, they noted.

“There are evidences and the perpetrators are arrested. A commission was assigned by president to investigate the cases but the laws are not enforced. There is the problem that some are attempting to release the perpetrators,” said Haji Zirak, spokesman of Kabul Money Changers Union.

But Chief of Kabul criminal police considers the concerns of money changers unfounded; citing no criminal can be released without punishment.

In the meantime, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said that if the problems of traders not solved, it may lead many investors to suspend trade and take their money out of the country.

” As a result, dozens of businessmen have decided to halt trade at least temporarily. Once the dust settles from the chaotic and uncertain elections, they will decide what to do next,” said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, chairman of craftsmen union.

Statistics are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests that several people are abducted and held for money every month. Many wealthy people do not leave their houses without bodyguards.

This comes as economic analysts warn of a serious blow to the economics of the country if the challenges not solved.