The latest corruption news from Iraq – company or government bribes, theft, stealing – brought to you by Iraq Business News
By John Lee. Iraq's Second Karkh Investigative Court has recovered 3 billion Iraqi dinars [$2.3 million] in connection with a financial fraud case involving two companies accused of manipulating foreign currency exchange rates through illegal overseas transfers. The companies had allegedly exploited discrepancies in the dollar exchange rate using fraudulent methods to generate profits, in […]
By John Lee. Iraq's General Customs Authority has introduced new customs procedures aimed at enhancing trade efficiency, preventing smuggling, and supporting domestic industries. Key Objectives: Implementing modern electronic systems to reduce delays and streamline processes. Strengthening anti-smuggling measures to protect markets from substandard goods. Ensuring fair trade regulations and compliance among all importers. Encouraging local […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission and Russia's Prosecutor General's Office have begun implementing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on anti-corruption cooperation, focusing on asset recovery and international legal assistance. During a meeting with a Russian delegation, Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, Head of the Integrity Commission, emphasized the need to modernize anti-corruption mechanisms to […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity (COI) has called on United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) member states to enhance legal cooperation in recovering stolen assets and illicit funds. During a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hunn, COI Chairman Dr. Mohammed Ali Al-Lami stressed Iraq's commitment to eradicating corruption and preventing capital flight, […]
From the UNDP: UNDP's Report Signal Progress in Prosecutions, Stronger Convictions, and the Need for Continued Justice Reform The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council and with the generous support of the European Union, launched the Second Trial Monitoring Report, a comprehensive view of Iraq's progress in tackling high-level […]
By John Lee. Transparency International has said that Iraq has improved its ranking and score in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024. From a total of 180 countries, Iraq came in at number 140, up 14 places on the previous year. This result puts it on equal ranking with Mexico, Nigeria and Uganda. […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has instructed the Federal Commission of Integrity to expedite its investigation into irregularities in the awarding of a pipeline project related to light petroleum product disposal outside Karbala Refinery. According to the Prime Minister's office, the project was assigned to a non-specialised intermediary company, leading to delays, […]
By John Lee. The US State Department issued its 2024 Investment Climate Statement for Iraq earlier this year. The report covers the following key areas: Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment Bilateral Investment and Taxation Treaties Legal Regime Industrial Policies Protection of Property Rights Financial Sector State-Owned Enterprises Responsible Business Conduct Corruption Political and Security Environment […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Commission of Integrity has announced a court ruling sentencing Suha Dawood Elias Al-Najjar, former Chair of the National Investment Commission (NIC), to seven years in prison. The charges relate to alleged unlawful wealth accumulation and illicit gains. The Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court issued the verdict in absentia, finding Al-Najjar guilty of […]
By John Lee. Karkh Criminal Court in Baghdad has sentenced three defendents in the "tax deposit" scandal, often referred to as the "heist of the century." The case involves the theft of 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) from the General Tax Authority's account at the state-run Rafidain Bank. According to a brief statement from […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has instructed the Commission of Integrity to initiate an urgent investigation into the leaked audio recording attributed to the Head of the General Commission of Taxes and to present the findings promptly. According to a statement from the PM's office, this directive underscores his commitment to […]
By John Lee. Judge Haider Hanoun (pictured) has been replaced as head of Iraq's Commission of Integrity. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the position will be filled by Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, the longest-serving Director General at the Commission. Hanoun was appointed to the role in November 2022, following the resignation […]
