He built up a force of 20,000 men,[8] making him one of the most powerful Palestinian leaders, dealing regularly with the CIA and Israeli intelligence officials.[9] His forces were accused of torturing Hamas detainees throughout the 1990s, allegations Dahlan denies.[10][11] During this period Gaza was nicknamed "Dahlanistan" due to his power.[12] His reputation was damaged in the Karni scandal of 1997 when it was revealed that Dahlan was diverting 40% of the taxes levied at the Karni Crossing (an estimated one million Shekels a month) to his personal bank account.[13][14]