Astalif sent to the gallows: official

KABUL (Pajhwok): Notorious mafia leader Habib Astalif has been setenced to death, an official at the Attorney General Office AGO said on Sunday.

The AGO official, who did not want to be named, told Pajhwok Afghan News a primary court had setenced the most wanted criminal to death.

Arrested by police in Kabul in October last year, Istalif was a prominent mafia boss accused of kidnappings, robberies and murders.

The most feared criminal had escaped from prison 10 years back and was arrested while plotting to kidnap a businessman in Kabul.

The AGO offical said Istalif was setenced to deaath on the basis of evidence the AGO had produced before the court.

In the dossier, detailing the mefia leader’s crimes including kidnappings, muders and armed robberies, the AGO had sought capital punishment, the official said.

The AGO has previously said Habib Astalif had confessed  to having links with local and foreign mafia groups.

Following Istalif’s arrest, Kabul police chief Gen. Zahir had said Istalif had offered $3 million to be freed and threatened police officers in jail to death if he was not freed.

Gen. Zahir said Istalif had been involved in major criminal cases including murdering five Kabul security guards, policemen and intelligence officials.

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