Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT
Kabul: John Sepko, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), reported that since the Taliban’s takeover, the country’s international partners have paid the Kabul government $10.9 million in taxes, fees, customs duties, and utility costs. This amount includes $10.4 million in taxes, $346,838 in water and electricity costs, $176,596 in expenses, and $9,215 in customs duties.
SIGAR also indicated that the actual amount of money the Taliban has received from these payments is likely higher, but it is difficult to quantify. This is because UN agencies are not required to report annually on taxes, fees, duties, or services funded by US operations in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the report mentions that UN agencies claim they have not paid any taxes, fees, or duties due to their tax-exempt status under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. However, UN agencies employ subcontractors to execute their activities, and these subcontractors are obligated to pay taxes, duties, and fees.
According to SIGAR, subcontractors face significant consequences, such as having their bank accounts frozen, offices closed, or licenses revoked if they fail to pay these obligations.
