Baghdad: The Head of the Federal Commission of Integrity (FCOI), Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, affirmed on Thursday that combating transnational corruption requires international coordination and effective efforts to pursue its proceeds.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Commission stated that Mohammed Ali Al-Lami warned of the dangers and repercussions of corruption, emphasizing its transnational nature akin to drug trafficking and money laundering. He stressed the need for concerted efforts and enhanced international cooperation to pursue perpetrators and recover proceeds from such crimes.

In his meeting with the Swiss Ambassador to Iraq, Peter Nelson, Al-Lami underscored the importance of bolstering cooperation between Iraq and Switzerland in combating corruption, in line with national legislation and the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Al-Lami expressed his aspirations to elevate cooperation levels with Switzerland and overcome challenges in retrieving Iraqi funds held in Swiss banks.

Al-Lami also highlighted the societal role in supporting oversight and anti-corruption efforts. He called for strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations and engaging with the Commission’s educational programs to promote integrity, transparency, and community involvement in reporting and exposing corruption.

Peter Nelson, the Swiss Ambassador, echoed the importance of international cooperation in fighting corruption and praised Iraq’s efforts and progress in this regard. He noted Iraq’s security and stability, which have positioned it as a favorable environment for investment and business, attracting Swiss companies and others to the market.