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Final SIGAR Audit Finds $148 Billion Afghanistan Reconstruction Failed

The capstone report warns future missions will falter when massive stabilization funds flood conflict zones rife with corruption.

Overview

  • Investigators documented 1,327 cases of waste, fraud and abuse totaling between $26 billion and $29.2 billion across the two-decade effort.
  • Acting Inspector General Gene Aloise said corruption permeated the project, undermining the U.S.-backed government and its security forces.
  • About 60% of appropriations—roughly $88.8 billion—went to security, and equipment valued at around $7.1 billion ended up with the Taliban after the 2021 collapse.
  • SIGAR’s oversight produced 171 criminal convictions and nearly $1.7 billion in fines, forfeitures, settlements and savings.
  • The watchdog will shut down on Jan. 31, 2026, as a separate Pentagon review of the U.S. withdrawal continues with findings expected in 2026.