KABUL - Preliminary hearings into the Kabul Bank embezzlement case ended on Monday with testimony by four former officials, with the court postponing a final verdict.

Kabul Bank, once the country's largest private-sector lender, plunged into a deep financial crisis due to unauthorized loans and other anomalies. Reports put at 937.7 million the loans issued to a number of people, including stakeholders.

About 22 people were accused of embezzlement in the case, and their trial started on Wednesday. At three hearings, 18 people, including Sher Khan Farnood and Khalil Ferozi, appeared before the court to defend themselves.

On Monday, four ex-officials of Kabul Bank, including Mohammad Tariq Miran, Kamal Nassir Kror, Mahbob Shah Frotan and Wahidullah Ferozi attended the final hearing.

Prosecutor Nasrullah said the four men had confessed to signing several loan documents, without having the required information, in line with a request from the bank's board. They were not authorized to approve loans, he claimed.

But the accused dismissed the allegation as baseless, saying they were common employees of the bank and did their job in line with rules.

Miran prayed they were required to identify customers through modern computer technology and ink documents in compliance with directives from their seniors. He added if they had realized the consequences, they would have never done such a thing.

Miran added they were unable to distinguish fake loan documents from genuine papers and that he did not know the board members as long as he worked for the bank.

Another accused, Wahidullah Ferozi, confirmed he was a member of Khorasan Private Security Company that was responsible for transferring money to the bank and loanees.

Defense lawyer Mohammad Mansoor insisted his clients were not members of the Kabul Bank's Board of Directors. The lawyer added his clients were providing internet services for bank employees.

After hearing arguments, special tribunal head, Shamsur Rahman Shams, said the court would issue its final verdict after collecting documents and conducting investigations to ensure justice. But he did not give a specific the date. (Pajhwok)