Baghdad: Legal adviser judge Munir Haddad has disclosed new details about the government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, saying that the total value of funds looted from Iraq since 2003 exceeds $2 trillion. According to Iraqi News Agency, investigations into the detained suspects were ongoing, adding that there were no final figures for the number of arrests as the total continued to rise through daily security operations and raids.
Haddad announced that the main suspects currently in custody had provided detailed confessions, enabling security and judicial authorities to identify and apprehend additional suspects. Some of those wanted attempted to flee Iraq or seek refuge in the Kurdistan Region, which has cooperated with the authorities and handed over eight suspects so far.
The list of suspects includes senior officials, among them current and former government officials as well as MPs. The cases under investigation are not limited to conventional embezzlement but also include allegations of unexplained wealth. These allegations are subject to the legal principle of “where did you get this?” and are classified under Iraqi law as money laundering crimes.
Haddad described the sums seized from deputy ministers and other senior officials as “beyond comprehension,” citing a case where the wife of a suspect purchased a property worth $5 million. Authorities identified officials who owned more than 50 properties each, either registered in their own names or in the names of family members.
He emphasized that Iraqi laws protecting public funds require not only the prosecution of those accused of corruption but also the accountability of the individuals and entities responsible for appointing them to sensitive positions. Haddad questioned how “ordinary employees or engineers” had suddenly risen to the rank of deputy minister without qualifications, suggesting appointments were made solely to facilitate theft of public funds.
Haddad assured that all recovered funds and seized properties would be returned in full to the Iraqi state treasury. He expressed confidence in the Prime Minister’s commitment to the anti-corruption campaign, praising him as “a reformer against corruption” and “a capable and successful young leader.”
There was no international pressure hindering the campaign, Haddad added, stating that Iraq enjoys strong international support for its anti-corruption efforts. The scope of the campaign includes operations targeting additional corruption networks in provinces like Basra, where more than 28 individuals were arrested.
The campaign will extend to government departments in Nasiriyah, Amarah, and other provinces “without exception or red lines.” No deadline has been set for concluding the operation. Investigations and raids are being conducted under strict secrecy to prevent suspects from fleeing. The Prime Minister has taken a firm stance, rejecting pressure and objections from political parties that fear implication through suspects’ confessions.
Haddad revealed that the campaign would culminate in public trials and open court hearings broadcast to the public, similar to proceedings held for Saddam Hussein and senior members of his former regime. Convicted individuals will not be released, as “the proper place for a convicted person is prison.” Conditional release on bail requires the payment of an amount equivalent to the funds allegedly stolen.
He commended “the judges of the Integrity Courts,” describing them as “brave, impartial and resolute judges who fear no reproach in upholding the truth.”