Monday, March 10, 2025
Iraq extradites suspects in 'theft of the century' from Kuwait , 10 MARCH
Iraq extradites suspects in 'theft of the century' from Kuwait
3/8/2025
The Iraqi Integrity Commission announced on Saturday the extradition of two of the accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, known in the media as the "theft of the century", from the authorities in the State of Kuwait.
The Authority stated in a statement today that it was able to recover the managing director of a private company for general trade and contracting limited and his agent accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, noting that their role in the case was to receive very large sums of money in order to facilitate the procedures for disbursing the stolen deposits.
The Authority noted its procedures that resulted in the extradition of the accused, which consisted of organizing an extradition file against them and sending it to the Public Prosecution Office, explaining that after follow-up and coordination with the relevant authorities, including the Arab and International Police Directorate at the Ministry of Interior and the efforts of the Iraqi Embassy in the State of Kuwait, an international red notice and search warrant were issued against the accused.
She pointed out that they were arrested in the State of Kuwait, which handed them over to the Republic of Iraq through diplomatic channels.
She pointed out that the judge of the Second Karkh Investigation Court had previously issued an arrest warrant against the accused, based on the provisions of Article (11/444) of the Penal Code, after reviewing the testimony of some of the accused in the case and the witnesses.
At the end of 2024, the Iraqi judiciary issued an in absentia prison sentence for a number of defendants accused of stealing tax deposits, known in the media as the “theft of the century,” including the first defendant, Nour Zuhair, and a former MP.
According to a judicial source, who spoke to Shafaq News Agency, "The Karkh Criminal Court for Combating Corruption settled the cases related to the theft of (tax deposits), and issued sentences of ten years in prison against the accused Nour Zuhair, six years in prison against the accused Raed Juhi, and a number of employees who participated in the crime, and three years in prison against the former member of the House of Representatives, Haitham Al-Jubouri."
In 2022, it was announced that more than 3 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) had been lost from tax deposits, through a coalition of 5 oil companies using fictitious bonds.
Following this, an order was issued to summon officials close to former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, including Finance Minister Ali Allawi, the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Raed Juhi, and others.
On October 24, 2022, Nour Zuhair was arrested, as he heads the board of directors of one of the companies involved in the case, and was later released on bail, after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the recovery of 5% of the amount, in exchange for Nour Zuhair’s pledge to hand over all the stolen amounts within days.
The Anti-Corruption Court set August 14, 2024 as the date for Nour Zuhair’s trial, but the trial was postponed several times due to the defendant’s absence. LINK
GOLDILOCKS: Wealth Managers Signing Contracts - Getting People Ready for The RV, 10 MARCH
GOLDILOCKS: Wealth Managers Signing Contracts - Getting People Ready for The RV
Highlights
Summary
In the latest episode of Goldilocks Global Banking News, host Freedom Fighter emphasizes the vital importance of establishing relationships with wealth managers in preparation for the anticipated RV (Revaluation) and GCR (Global Currency Reset).
He shares success stories from community members who have forged strong connections with their wealth management teams, highlighting the benefits of proactive engagement.
The episode advocates for a balanced and healthy relationship with money, stressing that this foundation is crucial as individuals prepare to manage newfound wealth.
Freedom Fighter outlines the potential pitfalls of procrastination and inaction, arguing that establishing relationships with wealth managers ahead of time is essential for ensuring a smooth transition into wealth management.
The discussion delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of wealth, urging listeners to take charge of their financial destinies and approach wealth with a positive mindset.
- 💼 Importance of Wealth Managers: Establishing a relationship with a wealth manager before the RV is crucial for effective wealth management.
- ⏰ Proactivity is Key: Waiting to engage with wealth managers can lead to missed opportunities and delays in accessing financial resources.
- 🤝 Healthy Relationships with Money: Building a positive relationship with wealth involves understanding budgeting, saving, and open communication about finances.
- 🎉 Success Stories: Community members share experiences of successfully engaging with wealth managers, emphasizing the benefits of proactive financial planning.
- 🌱 Spiritual Aspect of Wealth: The episode discusses the importance of maintaining joy and a balanced mindset in relation to wealth.
- 🛡️ Avoiding Unhealthy Financial Habits: Listeners are warned against excessive spending, secrecy, and other unhealthy financial behaviors.
- 🚀 Eight Steps to Success: The host provides a framework for establishing meaningful relationships with wealth managers and banks.
Key Insights
💡 Building Trust: Establishing a relationship with a wealth manager before acquiring wealth allows for trust and understanding, enabling better financial decisions. Waiting until money arrives can lead to a transactional dynamic, where the manager may not prioritize the client’s needs.
🔍 Awareness of Financial Relationships: The episode highlights how individuals should be aware of their worth and the nature of their financial relationships. Knowing one’s value can lead to healthier interactions with wealth managers, who should view clients as more than just a source of income.
🌈 Emotional Readiness: The host stresses the connection between emotional well-being and financial management. Losing joy can lead to detrimental financial decisions, emphasizing the need for a positive mindset and emotional preparedness for managing wealth.
🚪 Risks of Procrastination: Freedom Fighter warns that procrastination can trap individuals in a cycle of waiting, preventing them from taking charge of their financial futures. Engaging proactively is essential to avoid being unprepared when wealth is realized.
🎯 Holistic Wealth Management: Wealth management is portrayed as a comprehensive process that includes budgeting, saving, and planning. A well-rounded approach helps individuals maintain control over their finances, rather than allowing money to dictate their lives.
🤔 Behavioral Indicators: The discussion on unhealthy financial habits serves as a checklist for listeners to evaluate their relationship with money. Recognizing signs of excessive spending or financial secrecy can lead to healthier financial behaviors.
📈 Strategic Financial Planning: The episode concludes with the importance of strategic planning in wealth management, advocating for listeners to actively seek and establish connections with wealth managers who understand their unique needs and values.
In this episode, Freedom Fighter delivers a powerful message about the significance of being proactive in establishing relationships with wealth managers in anticipation of the upcoming RV and GCR. He reinforces the idea that wealth management involves not only financial acumen but also emotional intelligence and self-awareness. By fostering these relationships early, individuals can ensure they are prepared to navigate their financial futures with confidence and joy, ultimately transforming their lives and those of future generations. The insights and advice shared in the episode serve as a roadmap for anyone looking to take charge of their financial destiny, and the emphasis on self-worth and proactive engagement is a compelling call to action for listeners everywhere.
Al-Alaq: We will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector, 10 MARCH
Al-Alaq: We will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector
3/8/2025 Baghdad
The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, announced on Saturday that banks are close to being converted into smart platforms using artificial intelligence, noting that Iraq will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector.
Al-Alaq said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and reviewed by "Al-Eqtisad News", that "despite the great strides that have been made to activate electronic payment methods, which are a fundamental step in the digital transformation, we will soon put this stage behind us, because even the current electronic payment methods and tools are being changed and developed very quickly."
He pointed out that "soon we will notice a big difference in the tasks and functions of banks, and we will see many banks changing the nature of their work, and there will be a digital financial identity for every citizen through which he can conduct many operations in his accounts or check his balances or even invest inside and outside Iraq," stressing that "banks will soon turn into smart platforms that organize financial operations and benefit from technologies and artificial intelligence."
He added that "this great work is accompanied by the work of the Central Bank, like other central banks, in thinking about having a digital currency under the supervision of the Central Bank. We are not talking about encrypted currencies that are outside the framework of central banks, but rather about a digital currency issued by the Central Bank, and this is a major work being done in the Central Bank in coordination with international and Arab organizations and specialized bodies, and directly with the Arab Monetary Fund."
He continued: "We believe that this trend will be the one that will be imposed in the near future, and this represents solutions to major economic, financial and social problems, and will also establish a strict framework for monitoring funds and limiting corruption, money laundering and financing terrorism, because all financial movements will be within a strict and transparent system that can monitor all financial operations, and at the same time facilitates its holders to conduct extensive operations even in other countries of the world."
He added: "We expect that young people will benefit, through the tools and human resources that we have, from these tools. Indeed, we are following that many young people are investing through these portfolios and tools in various fields outside Iraq, but some need to be careful and cautious because there is a lot of fraud that occurs, and we are working to prevent citizens from falling victim to any fraud." LINK
DINAR IRAQ STATUS HIGHLIGHTS, 10 MARCH
DINAR IRAQ STATUS HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights
- 🌍 US Treasury’s Role: Increased involvement of the U.S. Treasury is crucial for Iraq’s financial future, particularly regarding sanctions.
- 💰 Need for Economic Reform: Iraq must diversify its economy away from oil dependency to achieve long-term financial stability.
- 📈 Floating Exchange Rate: A managed floating exchange rate could provide more stability for the Iraqi dinar.
- 🏦 Digital Banking Adoption: Iraq is rapidly modernizing its banking system through digital transformation, facilitating smoother international integration.
- ⏳ Anticipated Changes: Bond payouts and potential shifts in exchange rates are expected, indicating possible economic movement.
- 🔍 Corruption Challenges: Corruption and political struggles remain significant hurdles hindering Iraq’s financial progress.
- 🚀 Future Outlook: There is a sense of impending change, with substantial developments expected in the coming weeks.
Key Insights
🌐 US Treasury’s Involvement: The U.S. Treasury’s engagement in Iraq’s economic affairs signifies a serious attempt to stabilize and reform the financial system. Their role is critical in negotiating the lifting of sanctions on Iraqi banks, which have hindered international financial activities. This involvement may lead to a more robust framework for economic reform, aligning Iraq with global standards, ultimately fostering a healthier financial ecosystem.
📊 Economic Diversification Necessity: Iraq’s heavy reliance on oil exports makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Diversifying its economic activities into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services is essential for sustainable growth. This shift would not only stabilize the economy but also create job opportunities and reduce unemployment rates, fostering a more resilient economic environment.
🔄 Managed Floating Exchange Rate: Transitioning to a managed floating exchange rate allows the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to intervene as needed to stabilize the currency without completely relying on market forces. This approach could help mitigate the risks associated with sudden market fluctuations while still giving the dinar room to appreciate based on supply and demand dynamics.
💳 Digital Banking Transformation: The National Bank of Iraq’s adoption of advanced digital banking technology is a significant step towards modernizing the financial sector. This shift will enhance financial transparency, facilitate compliance with international banking standards, and attract foreign investments. As Iraq integrates more digital banking solutions, it will be better positioned to engage with global financial markets.
📅 Impending Economic Changes: The anticipation of bond payouts and potential changes in the exchange rate could signal a critical turning point for Iraq’s economy. Observers are encouraged to remain vigilant, as these developments may lead to the long-awaited adjustments in the dinar’s valuation, impacting both local and international stakeholders.
⚖️ Corruption as a Barrier: Corruption and political manipulation within Iraq’s financial system continue to pose significant challenges. The ongoing influence of powerful individuals who exploit the Central Bank for personal gain hampers economic progress. Addressing these issues is paramount for achieving genuine reform and establishing a stable financial environment.
📈 Cautious Optimism for Future Developments: The speaker conveys a message of cautious optimism, indicating that while the path to reform is fraught with challenges, substantial changes are underway. The presence of international financial institutions in Iraq’s economic landscape suggests that the country is moving towards a restructured exchange rate, which could have far-reaching implications for its economic health and global standing.
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