Iraq requests US Treasury assistance in tracking the funds of Saddam Hussein's regime, 10 DEC

  Iraq requests US Treasury assistance in tracking the funds of Saddam Hussein's regime

The head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Judge Haider Hanoun, and his accompanying delegation met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Jesse Baker, to discuss the possibility of concluding a memorandum of understanding between the Iraq Money Recovery Fund and the US Treasury, according to a statement issued by the commission on Sunday.

Integrity stated in its statement that Judge Hanoun stressed, during the meeting that took place at the US Treasury headquarters, Iraq’s need for Treasury assistance, in order to reach the fate of Iraqi funds before the year 2003, linked to the era of the previous regime, its symbols and front companies, pointing out that concluding an understanding agreement between the two parties is sufficient. By facilitating this and removing obstacles and barriers, if any.

 Hanoun added, saying: Negotiating with the cronies of the former regime entails the need to lift the hold on the funds recovered from the American side, praising the quick response of the American side in this regard and its pledge to fully cooperate and as permitted by the laws.

For his part, Jesse Baker praised the cooperation between the US Treasury and the Central Bank, pledging also to cooperate with the Iraq Money Recovery Fund in tracking its funds during the era of the former regime, in addition to his cooperation with the Central Bank to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, which requires concerted efforts. To confront these crimes and combat their advanced methods.

It is noteworthy that the Iraq Money Recovery Fund, which was established under Law No. (9 of 2012) (amended), aims to recover the financial rights of Iraq that were obtained by others illegally. As a result of the misuse of the oil-for-food program, the blockade, smuggling, economic sabotage, or exploitation of the sanctions imposed on Iraq at the time; To achieve financial gains at the expense of the Iraqi people. link