Latest news with #Habibi
UAE Moments
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Abdu Rozik Detained at DXB Following Theft Allegations
Popular social media personality and singer Abdu Rozik was reportedly arrested at Dubai International Airport early Saturday morning. The 21-year-old influencer, known for his viral charm and TV stints, was taken into custody at around 5am shortly after arriving from Montenegro. While authorities have not released an official statement, a representative from Rozik's management said, 'All we can say is that we are aware he has been taken into custody on allegations of theft.' Further details about the complaint or the nature of the alleged incident remain under wraps. Rozik, who stands at just over three feet tall due to a growth hormone deficiency, has become one of the most recognizable celebrities in the region. Holding a UAE Golden Visa, he has lived in Dubai for several years and is widely known for his appearances on Bigg Boss 16, his music career, and a variety of viral social media content. In 2024, Rozik made headlines with his boxing debut at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, and later launched his restaurant chain Habibi in the UK. That same year, he was also questioned by India's Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering probe involving a hospitality firm. However, officials confirmed he was not listed as an accused in that investigation.
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Afghan Taliban deny role in U.S. citizen disappearance
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities on Thursday (July 3, 2025) denied involvement in the disappearance of a U.S. citizen in Kabul, after Washington announced a $5 million reward for information on his whereabouts. Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who worked for a telecommunications firm, was abducted along with his driver in the Afghan capital in 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI notice from 2024 said it was "believed that Mr. Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces". The U.S. State Department last month said it was "offering a reward of up to $5 million for certain information leading to the location, recovery, and safe return" of Mr. Habibi, directly accusing the Taliban authorities' intelligence unit for his disappearance. The Taliban authorities on Thursday (July 3, 2025) said they were investigating "a petition" made by Mr. Habibi's family, describing him as an "Afghan citizen" only. "No evidence has been uncovered indicating that he has been detained by any entity affiliated with the Islamic Emirate," government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement, using the Taliban authorities' name for their administration. "As a legitimate governing authority, the Islamic Emirate has no reason to detain or conceal any individual merely suspected of criminal activity." Mujahid "categorically" rejected the involvement of the General Directorate of Intelligence. The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, months after the US and NATO withdrew most of their forces from the country following a two-decade war against the then insurgent group. Their government has not been recognised by any country. A Taliban government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for details on the number of U.S. citizens detained in Afghanistan. Multiple U.S. citizens have been released from Taliban custody this year, however. In March, American woman Faye Hall was released after two months in prison after she was arrested for reportedly having an unauthorised drone. The British couple she was arrested with are still in detention. In January, the Taliban government released two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, for an Afghan detained in the United States in an exchange mediated by Qatar.
Business Recorder
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Afghan Taliban deny role in US citizen disappearance
KABUL: Afghanistan's Taliban authorities on Thursday denied involvement in the disappearance of a US citizen in Kabul, after Washington announced a $5 million reward for information on his whereabouts. Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who worked for a telecommunications firm, was abducted along with his driver in the Afghan capital in 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI notice from 2024 said it was 'believed that Mr. Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces'. The US State Department last month said it was 'offering a reward of up to $5 million for certain information leading to the location, recovery, and safe return' of Habibi, directly accusing the Taliban authorities' intelligence unit for his disappearance. US may put 'very big bounty' on Afghan Taliban leaders, Secretary of State Rubio says The Taliban authorities on Thursday said they were investigating 'a petition' made by Habibi's family, describing him as an 'Afghan citizen' only. 'No evidence has been uncovered indicating that he has been detained by any entity affiliated with the Islamic Emirate,' government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement, using the Taliban authorities' name for their administration. 'As a legitimate governing authority, the Islamic Emirate has no reason to detain or conceal any individual merely suspected of criminal activity.' Mujahid 'categorically' rejected the involvement of the General Directorate of Intelligence. The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, months after the US and NATO withdrew most of their forces from the country following a two-decade war against the then insurgent group. Their government has not been recognised by any country. A Taliban government spokesman did not immediately respond to request for details on the number of US citizens detained in Afghanistan. Multiple US citizens have been released from Taliban custody this year, however. In March, American woman Faye Hall was released after two months in prison after she was arrested for reportedly having an unauthorised drone. The British couple she was arrested with are still in detention. In January, the Taliban government released two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, for an Afghan detained in the United States in an exchange mediated by Qatar.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Afghan Taliban deny role in US citizen disappearance
Kabul: Afghanistan's Taliban authorities on Thursday denied involvement in the disappearance of a US citizen in Kabul, after Washington announced a $5 million reward for information on his whereabouts. Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman who worked for a telecommunications firm, was abducted along with his driver in the Afghan capital in 2022, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI notice from 2024 said it was 'believed that Mr. Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces'. The US State Department last month said it was 'offering a reward of up to $5 million for certain information leading to the location, recovery, and safe return' of Habibi, directly accusing the Taliban authorities' intelligence unit for his disappearance. The Taliban authorities on Thursday said they were investigating 'a petition' made by Habibi's family, describing him as an 'Afghan citizen' only. 'No evidence has been uncovered indicating that he has been detained by any entity affiliated with the Islamic Emirate,' government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement, using the Taliban authorities' name for their administration. 'As a legitimate governing authority, the Islamic Emirate has no reason to detain or conceal any individual merely suspected of criminal activity.' Mujahid 'categorically' rejected the involvement of the General Directorate of Intelligence. The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, months after the US and NATO withdrew most of their forces from the country following a two-decade war against the then insurgent group. Their government has not been recognised by any country. A Taliban government spokesman did not immediately respond to request for details on the number of US citizens detained in Afghanistan. Multiple US citizens have been released from Taliban custody this year, however. In March, American woman Faye Hall was released after two months in prison after she was arrested for reportedly having an unauthorised drone. The British couple she was arrested with are still in detention. In January, the Taliban government released two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, for an Afghan detained in the United States in an exchange mediated by Qatar. – AFP
UPI
25-06-2025
- Business
- UPI
U.S. offers reward to locate abducted Afghan American in Afghanistan
The United States has offered a $5 million reward for help in locating Mahmood Shah Habibi, an American businessman who was abducted in Afghanistan in 2022. Photo courtesy FBI/ Release June 25 (UPI) -- The United States is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information locating Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan American businessman who was abducted in Afghanistan nearly three years ago. The reward from the U.S. State Department's Rewards for Justice Program was announced Tuesday by department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, who said during a regular press briefing, "We have determined that he has been disappeared, and that he has not been heard from." According to a release from the FBI in August, Habibi, a contractor for Kabul-based telecommunications company Asia Consultancy Group, and his driver were kidnapped from their vehicle near his home in the Afghan capital on Aug. 10, 2022. It is believed that he was taken by the Taliban along with 29 other employees of his company, all of whom, except for Habibi, have since been released. "He has not been heard from since his initial arrest, and the Taliban has yet to provide any information regarding his whereabouts or condition," the State Department said in a statement. Bruce said they are hoping the $5 million reward will entice someone to come forward. "It makes a difference in everyone's lives that we might get some information about him," she said. The U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. In its absence, the Taliban regained control of the Middle Eastern country.
