Iraq’s Integrity Commission Recovers Over Two Billion Dinar From Corruption Cases
In a significant stride against corruption, the Federal Commission of Integrity in Iraq declared the successful recovery of over two billion Iraqi dinars (equivalent to around 1.5 million US dollars) on Sunday. These funds, retrieved from corruption cases implicating former state officials, have been reintegrated into the state treasury. The amounts symbolize a fraction of the inflated assets of the accused officials, which include embezzled tax custodial funds.
Recovered Funds and the Fight Against Corruption
The Media and Communication Office of the Integrity Commission disclosed that the recovered sums are deposited into two accounts at Al-Rafidain Bank, Defense Branch. They include 1.3 billion dinars from the bloated and illicitly gained assets of the ex-Prime Minister’s technical advisor. Furthermore, the Commission reclaimed 775 million dinars, which a detained official, the prior director of the Baghdad Governor’s office, accepted as a bribe from a foreign company in return for contract referrals.
An additional 25 million dinars were recuperated from rental income linked to properties owned by the incarcerated wife of the former Director-General of the General Tax Authority. Prior to this, the Integrity Commission had launched a campaign against illegitimate wealth accumulation and corruption across different state institutions, beginning with the tax sector.
Accounting for Recovered Funds
The Commission established accounts in Iraqi dinars and US dollars at Al-Rafidain Bank to account for the restitution of recovered funds, representing the proceeds from corruption. Despite being rich in oil wealth, Iraq continues to grapple with rampant corruption within its government institutions.
Government’s Commitment to Combating Corruption
The current administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, is prioritizing the fight against corruption and the protection of public funds. It regularly discloses the failures of previous administrations. Iraqi officials have indicated that the tax custodian case revolves around illegal cash withdrawals from the General Tax Authority totalling approximately 2.5 billion US dollars over 2021 and 2022. This figure is substantial, considering Iraq’s consistent ranking among the most corrupt nations globally.
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