From New York Heroin Dealer to Afghanistan's Biggest Oil Man

Former employees, however, allege the ministry adopted its position because of Popal's ties to the president and officials.

"CNPC never violated any Afghan laws or regulations," said Napiltonia. "It was a calculated assault by Afghan partner Watan Oil and Gas against CNPC to obtain lucrative oilfield subcontracts."

Popal denies this: "I did my own audit on cost in Pakistan and other countries, China. Based on those companies' costs, I thought the value of the contract awarded here was too high."

CNPC told Reuters it was unaware of any contested issues at Amu Darya.

But a Chinese industry official said Afghanistan was of low strategic importance. Probes into graft by former executives, the official said, had made CNPC "more pragmatic" in assessing overseas investments.

A dozen employees approached by Reuters declined to speak on the record as they were owed several months' wages.

Undaunted by the deadlock at Amu Darya, Popal is charging ahead with his next project.


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