The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has reported that after the Taliban returned to power, and due to international sanctions on money transfers to Afghanistan, the United Nations has been sending around $80 million every 10 to 14 days to its offices in the country to help deal with the ongoing cash shortage.

According to SIGAR, the U.S. Department of State stated that during 2022 and 2023, the UN transferred a total of $3.6 billion to Afghanistan. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed that this money is kept in special UN accounts within private banks in Afghanistan.

However, SIGAR noted that even though the funds are managed by the UN, they have indirectly benefited the Taliban and have at the same time helped to keep Afghanistan’s economy from collapsing. These cash injections have supported the ongoing humanitarian operations and daily activities of UN agencies across the country.