Official announcements from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Treasury

Russia Allegedly Paid Taliban Up to $200,000 Per Soldier to Attack U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, 2016-2019

Jan 9, 2025, 08:59 AM

Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, allegedly paid the Taliban and other militant groups in Afghanistan to carry out attacks on U.S. and coalition forces between 2016 and 2019. An 18-month investigation by The Insider and Der Spiegel revealed that the operation, coordinated by GRU Unit 29155, involved payments of up to $200,000 per killed soldier, with a total payout estimated at around $30 million. The funds were transferred through a network of Afghan couriers using a gemstone trading company as a front. Upon completion of their missions, these couriers were granted Russian documents and asylum in Russia. The investigation identified specific GRU officers involved, including Lt. Gen. Ivan Kasianenko and Col. Alexey Arkhipov.