Part of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Photo: AP
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister’s legal advisor, Munir Haddad, revealed that more than $2 trillion have been stolen from Iraq since 2003.
According to the Iraqi News Agency, Haddad stated that the number of suspects continues to increase as investigations with the arrested ones are ongoing.
The Iraqi government launched a countrywide anti-corruption campaign on Sunday known as “Operation Dawn.” Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered the crackdown, which has resulted in the arrests of several lawmakers and senior officials, as well as the recovery of millions of dollars, gold, luxurious cars, and real estate.
Iraqi security forces began the massive campaign following judicial orders, targeting dozens of current and former government officials.
The step, which included lifting parliamentary immunity and overnight raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone, is based on confessions and investigations into the major arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili, a deputy oil minister accused of corruption.
Primary suspects have delivered extensive confessions, prompting security and judicial officials to arrest more individuals, according to Haddad.
The Iraqi official clarified that some of the suspects attempted to leave the country or seek a safe haven in Iraqi Kurdistan, but Kurdish authorities have shown cooperation and handed over eight suspects so far.
The offenses being investigated include both typical embezzlement and money laundering.
According to Haddad, the sums seized by the authorities are incredible. For example, the wife of one of the defendants purchased a home worth $5 million. Furthermore, some of the accused hold over 50 properties registered in their own or family members’ names.
The campaign will cover several Iraqi provinces. “The investigations and arrests are ongoing and will not adhere to a specific timeline,” Haddad said. They are being conducted in complete secrecy to prevent any individuals who are wanted from fleeing.