The Iraqi Integrity Commission has announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the "heist of the century," with gratitude extended to the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Interior for their assistance in arresting the individual.
Without disclosing the suspect's name, the commission confirmed the arrest of a key figure in the high-profile theft case, praising the collaborative efforts of both the federal government's Interior Ministry and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Four additional defendants, already suspended by the High Criminal Court, were part of the former government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and are implicated in the case.
According to Iraqi officials, the charges against these individuals stem from their involvement in extracting approximately $2.5 billion in cash from the General Tax Authority. This sum, lost between September 2021 and August 2022, represents a significant amount of money in a country that consistently ranks among the world's most corrupt.
The "theft of the century" has been described as the disappearance of $2.5 billion in tax revenue, shedding light on the extent of corruption within Iraq's financial systems.link
Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK
MarkZ Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Coffee with MarkZ, MM and Mr. Cottrell. 08/02/2024
MZ: We will cover the news and hurry to get Mr. Cottrell in after MM and Crew bring you some of the latest out of Iraq.
Member: Good Morning to all…….And TGIF!!!
Member: Wow what a Friday on Markz…. not only Mr. C but MM too!!
Member: Stock market is looking pretty ugly today again! Yikes!
Member: Hello!! Just read 800 stocks are down 5%....let it rip!!!
Member: Asian markets took a beating, especially Japan. Worst since 87
MZ: “Japanese stocks suffer biggest point drops since Black Monday” The BOJ has boxed itself into a corner
…they need to decide between a crash in currency or a crash in the stock market. This is its worst 2 day rout since 2011.
Member: hopefully the market falls off the tables edge. straight down
Member: Dow Jones down -870!
Meber: Market Summary > Dow Jones Industrial Average39,385.35 −962.62 (2.39%)today
Member: SG Anon had a great read on a "Speculative Summary" of what's coming from an anonymous person. Pretty much nailing "the weekend" that would occur with markets crashing then the CRAZY week 2 follow
MZ: Now let’s bring in MilitiaMan…….
MM: Thanks and glad to be here. Yesterday we did a sit down sitrep with PampeyPeter and Petra.. Its in our Patreon room for anyone who wants to visit. It’s about 30 minutes long.
MZ: To e this week has been great. There have been a number of key pieces come out of Iraq that made me feel warm and fuzzy. What’s your take on the week??
MM: I have been interested in seeing how far along the central bank building is. I think around 6 months ago they said they had about 15 feet or so to go….to the top of it.
MM: I know high rise buildings take a long time to build…..but it they are at the top with only 6 meters to go…I don’t know that it would take 6 months….I don’t think so. I have a strong feeling there is more to that story.
MM: They are now talking about a celebration, and if you remember…..Saleh (Sudanis financial advisor) has been on fire for the last couple of weeks. And he told everybody that there was going to be a major announcement regarding the digital era……
MM: Now everybody is starting to see it… This morning the UAE is allowing their digital currency….and are able to buy digital assets. It is going to a digital era all around the world. The world is changing quickly…
MM: The multi-currency practices are going to go away and ultimately they will apply a REER or Real Effective Exchange Rate to Iraq’s currency-
MM: Everything we are seeing is powerful evidence that the monetary reforms are on the table and they are knocking them out….
MZ: What of the HCL? We are watching what is going on in the Kurdish region and money is suddenly flowing. And they are saying things are now in Baghdad’s hands….I’m surprised we havn;t seen that the HCL was done this week
MM: Well, they said its coming soon…Whatever that means…Right?
MM: And I heard from a source that the US Federal Reserve will not wait long….They cannot wait forever….. And he also said they can take action at a moment’s notice. I believe the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve are working hand in hand with the Central Bank of Iraq.
MZ: Have you heard anything about Iraq’s ascension into the WTO?
MM: Iraq is going to need to trade cross-borders. The Iraqi dinar is not yet on the forex with a REER. (Real Effective Exchange Rate) With the Ayuscuda cross border system …I think it’s ready to go.
MZ: I also think it’s ready to go. But how long can they go without a new rate? They have not published the budget tables yet….I think they are hiding it because the new rate is in it to do all those new projects.
MM: PompeyPeter and others have been talking about this. And issue #4472 of the Gazette is not there…..so yes When you say they are hiding it- that’s what it looks like. …And Why? Because its sensitive.
MM: Well I have a busy day….so thanks for having me….thank you all. And I hope to see you all on Patreon.
Be sure to listen to replay for the entire MM and Mr. C’s interview….for their information and opinions
Member: Mike Bara was saying there was a lot of counterfeit German bonds which slowed down the process
Member: My bank has a central counting machine for all withdrawals of cash. Each teller inputs the amount at the terminal and the money is counted out. Very different process
Member: Bank Story - My friend went to his bank yesterday. there were huge piles of cash on tables. two ladies were photocopying both sides of the currencies four at a time. while a person watch them
MZ: Well that is weird…….
Member: I think this may be the weekend we’ve been looking for…
Member: Just turn on EBS and let chips fall where they may!!!!
Member: The frequencies are high from manifesting this blessing into existence
Economical 08/01/2024 Baghdad: the mainstay of the emirate The Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, stated that
reforming the banking system is one of the most prominent priorities of the government’s approach, because of its positive effects in all aspects of the economy, indicating that the first steps of that reform began through the government banking sector, which currently dominates more than Of 85 percent of the assets of the banking system, its banking operations and activities account for approximately the same percentage of total deposits and credit. Earlier, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a special meeting to develop the work of government banks, and directed to resolve the procedures for developing the work of Rafidain Bank.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said that Al-Sudani was briefed during the meeting, which was attended by representatives of Ernst & Young for auditing and financial consulting, on the technical and administrative procedures for the Rafidain Bank development project, which were taken during the period that followed the signing of the contract with the company specialized in structuring and developing work in the banking sector. It is noteworthy that the development plan of Rafidain Bank includes a comprehensive review and evaluation of the bank’s work, and the implementation of structural administrative reforms, aiming to provide a package of integrated banking services to citizens and companies, in which advanced electronic programs and modern technology are adopted in all banking transactions, and the optimal use of human and technical resources, and the transition to... Automated work, which helps the bank’s ability to meet banking requirements Globalism. Counselor Saleh told “Al-Sabah”:
“The government’s vision for economic reform was largely focused on banking reform, which is one of the priorities of the government curriculum, and the first steps began through the Rafidain Bank,” noting that “the reform principles upon which the government program was founded and which the House of Representatives approved are based on On regular executive priorities, at the forefront of which is reforming the banking sector, as the Prime Minister’s vision was focused on economic reform through reforming the government banking sector, which currently dominates more than
85 percent of the assets of the banking system, and its banking operations and activities account for approximately the same percentage of total deposits and credit. "The banker." Saleh pointed out that this beginning came because these banks are large and important, but they are burdened with a legacy left by the conflicts of the past half century and their repercussions on the efficiency of this large banking system, whose capital base still constitutes only a low percentage that does not exceed 22 percent of the total capital of the banking system, indicating that “In view of this banking dominance, which is burdened with inherited problems, our country suffers from limited growth in the activity of the banking market and its division between private banks, the number of which exceeds more than 50 banks, but they are limited in their activity in deposits and credit, but they do not have a unified and homogeneous competitive banking market with government banks, as they dominate
“Governmental banks are in great pain in their market shares and in their banking activity, and they live in their activity on sovereign banking liquidity, as they are banks of a purely rentier nature that deal with large government deposits that affect their liquidity.” The government advisor explained, “In order to advance the Iraqi banking market, the first reform steps have inevitably begun with government banks, especially major commercial banks such as Al-Rafidain Bank, and based on the above, with the aim of making government banks operate in accordance with capital efficiency standards and lead financing and development activity in the country and with competitive foundations that provide Financial inclusion
At the same time, the study, which is being prepared by the international auditing and accounting firm Ernst Young, is based on the principle of creating a highly efficient government commercial banking sector that takes the lead with the rest of the banking market in financing market activity and with digital foundations and financial and accounting technologies in accordance with modern financial engineering. He pointed out that
this leads to the
birth of a government bank that
specializes in managing government banking operations exclusively and is considered a cornerstone in organizing the treasury account and stabilizing government cash flow budgets, meaning that it will at the same time be the public finance arm of the government banking organization. Saleh believes that
these steps can achieve the
goals that lead to “the birth of a homogeneous banking market that
operates according to competitive principles and can integrate with the local and international financial and banking system with high credit and banking efficiency required by the sustainable development goals and the requirements of the availability of market institutions and their integration between financing services on the one hand and real investment.” And production growth on the one hand Other. https://alsabaah.iq/100342-.html
Here is the situation as I understand it, Friday morning 8/2/2024. "They" are still processing German historic bonds. They are finding many fakes. They have a quota to meet for "real" authentic German bonds before they can move onto the Chinese (Dragon) bonds.
"They" (UST) expect that threshold to be reached sometime this weekend. Once "They" move to Dragon bond payouts, that's when the "bondholder" should receive his commission. That's when we're on, because my understanding is that is the "end" of Tier 3 and Tier 4a. None of this is connected to the revaluation of the Iraqi Dinar, which could still happen anytime. UST is said to want that to happen imminently.
The Cabal is broke and needs the influx of funds from Tier 4 to continue the war. But the reality is the war is all but over. I suggest you think of this terms of World War II. It's late 1944. The Battle of the Bulge (Trump assassination attempt) has just failed.
The Germans have been driven back to the Rhine, and it's only a matter of time before Patton gets across and finishes the job. TNT Tony's 48-hour window has passed. Let's see if he has any new or corroborating information on his call today. That's where we're at. At least as far as I can tell. — Mike
The United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD) confirmed that trade in Iraq - which was torn by war - has gained new activity as it continues efforts to revive the economy, while revealing the full details of the ASYCUDAWorld program specializing in customs. The organization says in a report translated by Al-Sumaria News, that in October 2023, the Iraqi state launched ASYCUDAWorld - a pioneering customs automation program supported by the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD), to digitize customs clearance processes
, reduce fraud risks, and facilitate cross-border trade. According to the report, the program - which complies with international standards - aims to replace manual, paper-based customs clearance processes in Iraq, allowing traders to complete all necessary paperwork online to save time and cost.
- witnessed Baghdad International Airport - where the ASYCUDAWorld system appeared for the first time in Iraq a growth in customs revenues of more than 215% between January and May 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the report, which revealed that between January and March, import transactions at the airport increased by 120% compared to the first quarter of 2023, reaching its highest levels in a decade. The report adds that the business community has responded effectively to comply with the new procedures and regulations. Since October 2023, more than 2,800 declarers have submitted approximately 65,600 declarations to customs through
ASYCUDAWorld. The program was run in the nine largest customs offices in Iraq, which together represent 81% of Iraq's international trade volume, according to the report. These include customs operations located on the borders with neighboring countries such as Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as in the port of Umm Qasr leading to the Arabian Gulf. According to the report, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami praised the ASYCUDAWorld program for helping Iraq “achieve financial discipline, reduce errors, enhance the efficiency of government resources, and provide accurate information.” *Long-term partnership with high-level political support The report shows that an agreement to launch ASYCUDAWorld is planned for May 2021, as part of Iraq's partnership with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) program - the largest technical cooperation project managed by the United Nations Trade and Development Organization in more than 100 countries. This cooperation enjoys the full support and strong commitment of the highest levels of the Iraqi government, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance
, and the Director General of Customs, according to the report.
says Shamika N said Sirimane , Director of Technology and Logistics at the United Nations Trade and Development Organization.: “The active participation of these and other government departments, including the General Authority of Customs, has been crucial in ensuring the success of the project so far,” “ASYCUDA’s work in Iraq is ongoing, but even at this stage, we are already seeing an increase in trading volumes and a boost in government revenues,” says Siriman. The Director General of Iraqi Customs, Hassan Hamoud Al-Aqili , adds: “The ASYCUDA system unifies customs procedures at all crossings and ports and unifies the process of collecting fees. It also provides accurate information to policy makers about imports and exports, control the movement of currencies, and the exchange of dollars between Iraq and other countries.” According to the report. *Empowering national stakeholders to take the lead ASYCUDA's work in Iraq brings together 6 staff from the United Nations Trade and Development Organization alongside a national project team including IT and customs experts. In collaboration with the business team, the operation customized and installed the ASYCUDAWorld software prototype and adapted it to comply with Iraqi laws and regulations. In addition, ASYCUDA staff trained the national team to use and maintain the system independently, including courses held in Baghdad and a field visit to customs offices in Jordan to learn from their experiences. The Iraqi national team then in turn trained ASYCUDAWorld users in Iraq, helping key stakeholders such as logistics carriers, declarants and customs officers become familiar with the new system, according to the report. According to the report, ASYCUDAWorld will be launched in Arar (which borders Saudi Arabia) and Trebil (which links Iraq to Jordan) and will largely be led by the Iraqi national team, with international ASYCUDA experts supporting remotely.
*Future endeavors The Iraqi government seeks to implement the ASYCUDAWorld system in all customs locations across the country by mid-2025, according to the report, which confirms that after that, the focus will be on modernizing customs control and building an electronic “single window” for trade based on ASYCUDA technology. This comprehensive platform, which links multiple government agencies involved in goods clearance, is expected to automate customs processes and enhance Iraq's logistical efficiency and trade competitiveness. https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/economy/495884/ما-هو-نظام-الأسيكودا-في-العراق-وبماذا-يخدم-العراقيين؟-تقرير-دولي-يفصل