Akhund

In early September, says Mr. Wahidyar, the former Taliban official on the council, Mr. Akhund called him with what appeared to be good news: The Quetta Shura was ready to negotiate a peace deal, ending a longstanding policy of refusing negotiations until all foreign forces leave Afghanistan.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

In subsequent meetings, Mr. Akhund said, the plotters made it clear they wanted him to pave the way for a suicide bomber to strike Mr. Rabbani and others on the Council.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

As Afghan confidence grew, the High Peace Council recorded a message of peace that Mr. Akhund agreed to deliver to Quetta, Afghan officials said.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

Afghan intelligence officials say they believed Mr. Akhund was connected to the Quetta Shura.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

Mr. Wahidyar says Mr. Akhund told him a Taliban emissary was preparing to come to Kabul with a special message for the Afghan government.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

Mr. Akhund, his family, and Mr. Esmatullah drove to Kandahar in a taxi, then proceeded to Kabul.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

In a 15-minute video recorded by Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security spy agency and viewed by The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Akhund cast himself as an accidental conspirator who became entangled in the plot while trying to find a negotiating partner for Mr. Karzai's administration.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

But as the economic downturn tightened its grip and the online advertising market continued to flounder, Heyzap founders Immad Akhund and Jude Gomila saw the need for a different revenue model.

Internet Ad Revenue Fell 5% in Q1 2009

Back in Pakistan, Mr. Akhund says in the video, one of his childhood friends happened upon the message while checking out his cellphone.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011

Rahmatullah Wahidyar, a senior member of the High Peace Council and a deputy minister in the former Taliban government, reached out to Mr. Akhund about six months ago through a fellow former Taliban deputy minister.

Afghan Probe Sheds Light on Assassination Dion Nissenbaum 2011