(Baghdad – Al Bayan and agencies)
Iraq is witnessing a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has within days resulted in the detention of senior officials from state institutions, including politicians and members of parliament, while immunity has been lifted from others. The drive runs in parallel with government moves to implement a reform programme that includes strengthening financial oversight.
Corruption investigations have uncovered extensive smuggling networks and bribery schemes, leading to the seizure of more than 100 million dollars and hundreds of kilograms of gold, according to Iraqi media reports.
Sources said the Iraqi judiciary and the Integrity Commission are continuing to pursue suspects in cases involving public funds, money laundering, and illicit enrichment, alongside efforts to recover stolen assets and hold those implicated to account.
Iraq's Central Felony Court for Combating Corruption yesterday issued a 10-year prison sentence against the former director-general of the General Commission for Taxes, and a 5-year sentence against his wife, on charges of money laundering.
Security forces seized 11 containers filled with cash hidden inside the home of detained Oil Ministry Undersecretary Adnan Al Jumaili. Information indicates that the confiscated sums amounted to 104.5 million dollars, in addition to gold bars, real estate, dozens of vehicles, and weapons.
Arrest operations revealed "mounds of cash" concealed inside homes, hidden within walls or in deep pits. Corruption cases have also reached Iraqi Airways, with the Supreme Judicial Council announcing the recovery of 16 million dollars as part of an investigation into payroll manipulation.
According to unofficial estimates, the total cost of corruption in Iraq has reached approximately 500 billion dollars since 2003.