The findings of Afghanistan International show that the smuggled Iraqi oil is transferred to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries through Iran and with the cooperation of networks connected to the Islamic Republic and the Taliban government.
Several businessmen say the Islamic Republic and the Taliban government are circumventing international sanctions by using cash payments and land routes, mainly through the port of Turgandi.
Afghanistan's former deputy foreign minister says the Revolutionary Guards have close cooperation with some members of the Taliban in oil trade and smuggling. According to him, the Iranian embassy and some local Taliban officials in Herat also play a role in transferring cash and facilitating these transactions.
According to this former diplomat, in addition to circumventing the harsh US sanctions, this network also pursues two other goals: "money laundering and bribing Taliban leaders."
These transactions are not done through the bank's channels and payments are made mainly in cash. The fact that Iraqi oil is cheaper also made the businessmen of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan buy these shipments.
Read more details on the Afghanistan International website.