The "Theft of the Century": Unraveling the Iraqi Tax Deposit Scandal
In a startling exposé, the Iraqi Observer has illuminated the full narrative of the infamous tax deposit theft, referred to as the "theft of the century," shedding light on the pivotal role of Nour Zuhair Jassim in orchestrating the heist.
Unveiling the Scheme
The General Tax Authority's secret report has unveiled the intricate details of how the theft unfolded, revealing a network of complicity and deception. Between September 9, 2021, and August 11, 2022, a staggering amount of 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars, equivalent to approximately $2.5 billion, was systematically siphoned off.
The Masterminds and the Shell Companies
The report implicates two key individuals, Nour Zuhair Jassim and Abdul Mahdi Tawfiq Mahdi, who utilized five shell companies as fronts for the illegal withdrawals. These companies, Al Qant General Contracting, Humpback Whale General Trading, Baghdad Winds General Trading, Innovators for Oil Services, and Badia Al Masaa General Trading, served as conduits for the embezzlement, with each company receiving significant sums ranging from 433.015 billion dinars to 1.185 trillion dinars.
The Auditors' Revelation
The auditors' investigation, which came to light recently, has exposed the depth of the fraud. The auditors discovered that the checks, totaling 247 in number, were cashed from a branch of the state-run Rafidain Bank housed within the tax commission.
Political Ramifications
The scandal has cast a shadow over the Iraqi government, particularly the administration of former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, who was in office when the theft occurred. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who assumed office in late 2022, has vowed to address the issue but faces significant challenges in light of Iraq's entrenched patronage system.
Public Outrage and Parliamentary Inquiry
The public outrage sparked by the scandal has led to a parliamentary investigation into the sudden increase in taxes, which many suspect is an attempt to recoup the lost funds.
The Aftermath
The repercussions of this theft continue to unfold, with growing demands for accountability and transparency in Iraq's governance. The scandal has become a rallying point for anti-corruption movements in the country, which has long struggled with systemic corruption.
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