Iraqi Prime Minister’s Legal Adviser Munir Haddad revealed new details about the government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, stating that the value of public funds allegedly stolen from Iraq since 2003 exceeds $2 trillion.
Speaking to Al Iraqiya News and cited by the Iraqi News Agency, Haddad described the scale of the alleged corruption as “beyond reason,” adding that corruption trials will be conducted publicly.
He said investigations into detained suspects are still ongoing and that no final figures are available because the number of arrests continues to rise through daily security operations and raids.
According to Haddad, key suspects have provided detailed confessions that led investigators to additional suspects. He added that some wanted individuals attempted to flee Iraq or sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region, which has so far cooperated by handing over eight suspects.
Haddad said the list of suspects includes current and former officials as well as members of parliament. The investigations extend beyond embezzlement to include illicit wealth accumulation under the principle of “Where did you get this?”, which Iraqi law classifies as a money laundering-related offense.
He described the assets seized from some officials as “unbelievable,” citing cases involving the purchase of multi-million-dollar properties and individuals owning more than 50 properties registered in their names or in the names of family members.
Haddad said Iraqi laws protecting public funds also allow authorities to hold accountable those responsible for appointing officials involved in corruption. He questioned how some employees and engineers had reached senior government positions without possessing the necessary qualifications.
He emphasized that all recovered funds and confiscated properties will be returned to the Iraqi state treasury and expressed confidence in the commitment of the prime minister to continue the campaign. He added that there is no international pressure hindering the effort and that Iraq has received international support in combating corruption.
Haddad also announced the dismantling of additional corruption networks in several provinces. He cited the Electricity Directorate in Basra, where more than 28 people have been arrested, adding that investigations will expand to Nasiriyah, Amarah, and other governorates without exceptions, red lines, or a fixed timeline.
He said investigations and raids are being conducted in strict secrecy to prevent suspects from escaping, noting that the prime minister has taken a firm stance and rejected political pressure from parties concerned about the consequences of the confessions.
Haddad confirmed that the campaign will proceed with public court hearings broadcast to citizens, similar to the high-profile trials held during the era of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
He stressed that convicted defendants will not be released, stating that “the place of a convicted person is prison.” He added that release on bail does not constitute acquittal but merely allows legal proceedings to continue, with bail amounts potentially linked to the value of the alleged stolen funds.
INA (Iraqi News Agency)
