Former Afghan government officials, including officials of the National Security Directorate, told journalists that these terrorist attacks and attacks on US and coalition soldiers took place from 2016 to 2019.
The reward for each killed soldier was 200,000 dollars, but in total, the GRU paid the Taliban at least 30 million dollars, the publication said.
According to investigators, the money was transported by couriers led by former Kunduz smuggler Rahmatulla Azizi.
Journalists have found out that Azizi has been living in Moscow since 2019 and has a Russian passport issued in the name of Rahim Ahmadov.
Only two digits in the number of this document differ from the passport number once issued to GRU agent Anatoly Chepig, who poisoned ex-double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia with the nerve agent “Novichok” in Salisbury, Great Britain in 2018.
“In order to transfer money to Taliban fighters and other groups, Russian intelligence services maintained a network of Afghan couriers disguised as a company dealing in precious stones. Having completed their task, the couriers received Russian documents and asylum in Russia,” writes “The Insider”.
The publication indicates that the Russian curators of the Afghan fighters were officers in the 29155th army unit, known for the Skripal poisoning and sabotage in Europe.
The head of the terrorist financing program was Lieutenant General Ivan Kasyanenko, the deputy commander of the 29155th army unit, and the main contact maintainer between the GRU and the Taliban was Colonel Aleksej Arkhipov. He flew with a passport issued in the name of Alexei Titov, according to the researchers.
Some Afghans in the courier network made it to the EU by posing as refugees, the study said.
At least two have applied for asylum in Germany, they have been refused, but they continue to live in Germany, according to “Der Spiegel”.
Unveiling the Shadow Network: Russian GRUS Alleged Funding of Taliban Attacks and the Role of Afghan Couriers
In a groundbreaking examination, evidence has emerged linking Russian military intelligence (GRU) to the funding of Taliban operations targeting U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan between 2016 and 2019. The operation allegedly involved a network of afghan couriers, millions of dollars in payments, and high-ranking GRU officers. To shed light on this complex web of covert activities, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with Dr. Mikhail Ivanov, a leading expert on Russian intelligence operations and international security.
Interview with Dr. Mikhail Ivanov
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Ivanov, thank you for joining us today. the investigation reveals that the GRU paid the Taliban at least $30 million through a network of Afghan couriers. Can you explain how such a system would operate?
Dr. Mikhail Ivanov: Thank you,Sarah. This is a highly sophisticated operation. The GRU allegedly used a front company dealing in precious stones to disguise the movement of funds. Afghan couriers, like Rahmatulla Azizi, were instrumental in transporting the money. Once their role was complete, they were reportedly granted Russian passports and asylum, effectively disappearing into Russian society. This method ensures deniability and protects the operatives involved.
Sarah Thompson: The article mentions that Azizi now lives in Moscow under a Russian passport, with a number strikingly similar to that of GRU agent Anatoly Chepig, who was involved in the Skripal poisoning. What dose this tell us about the GRU’s operational tactics?
dr. Mikhail Ivanov: This is a classic example of the GRU’s compartmentalized approach. By issuing passports with nearly identical numbers, they create a layer of plausible deniability while maintaining operational control. It also suggests a centralized system for managing assets, where even minor details like passport numbers are carefully orchestrated.The connection to Chepig underscores the GRU’s involvement in high-stakes operations, from assassinations to funding insurgencies.
Sarah Thompson: the investigation points to Lieutenant General Ivan Kasyanenko and Colonel Aleksej Arkhipov as key figures in this operation. What role do these individuals play within the GRU?
Dr.Mikhail Ivanov: Lieutenant General Kasyanenko, as the deputy commander of the 29155th army unit, is a senior figure with important influence over covert operations.Colonel Arkhipov, operating under the alias Alexei Titov, appears to have been the primary liaison between the GRU and the Taliban. These roles highlight the GRU’s hierarchical structure, where high-ranking officers oversee and coordinate complex missions, often under the guise of civilian identities.
Sarah Thompson: The report also mentions that some couriers have sought asylum in the EU, with at least two applying in Germany. How does this fit into the broader picture?
Dr. Mikhail Ivanov: This is a troubling advancement. While their asylum applications were denied, the fact that they remain in Germany suggests that the GRU’s network extends beyond Russia’s borders. It also raises questions about how these individuals are supported and whether they continue to facilitate operations. The EU must remain vigilant, as these couriers could serve as sleeper agents or conduits for future activities.
Sarah Thompson: what are the implications of this investigation for international security and U.S.-Russia relations?
Dr. Mikhail Ivanov: This investigation is a stark reminder of the GRU’s global reach and its willingness to destabilize regions for strategic gain. For the U.S. and its allies, it underscores the need for enhanced counterintelligence measures and closer scrutiny of Russian operations. Diplomatically, it further strains U.S.-Russia relations, as such actions directly undermine international security and trust. The international community must respond decisively to deter future provocations.
sarah Thompson: Thank you, Dr. Ivanov, for your insights. This has been a fascinating and deeply concerning discussion.
Dr.Mikhail Ivanov: Thank you, Sarah. It’s crucial that we continue to expose and understand these covert operations to safeguard global stability.
