A businessman, Zainulabuddin, who was kidnapped seventeen days ago in Kabul, has been killed, his family said on Sunday.

The family said a group of armed men took him from his workplace, claiming to be on official business for the directorate of national security working on an investigation. Later they demanded money.

The merchant’s body was found behind the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul two nights ago.

Hamid, son of Zainulabuddin, said: “Five armed men wearing military uniforms took my father from our office in the Quwai Markaz area. They said they were from national security. Then, we received a phone call asking for a great amount of money.”

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries officials said that such incidents will obstruct business in the country.

Mohammad Younus Mohmand told TOLOnews: “We talked with security officials. They assured us that they will take the people behind the incident to the courts."

Kabul residents expressed worry over kidnapping cases and robberies in Kabul.

Armed men stole 700,000 Afs four days ago from a shop in Chahar Qala area, shopkeeper Habiburahman said.

Habib said: “ They forced me to open a safe of money and then tgey took all of it. They were four people. One was standing outside.”

Kabul residents urged the caretaker government to provide security in Kabul, where several robberies have happened in the last few days.