Anbar: The Federal Integrity Commission has successfully halted the sale of two properties in Anbar province, which were being offered at prices significantly below market value. This decisive action has averted the potential loss of more than 4.5 billion dinars from public funds.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Commission’s field team from the Anbar Investigation Office discovered irregularities during a visit to the State Real Estate Department in the province. The team found that the valuation of the two properties, with a combined area of 186 dunams (approximately 25 acres), was flawed. These properties were intended to be sold through a public auction, but the failure to adhere to their true value and prevailing market rates could have resulted in a significant financial loss if the auction had proceeded.

Further investigations led the team to the Real Estate Registration and Urban Planning Directorates and the General Tax Authority in the governorate. They uncovered violations in the property valuation process, including inaccuracies in determining the properties’ locations, leading to their undervaluation. Consequently, the investigating judge specializing in integrity cases in Ramadi took action to halt the auction and informed the State Real Estate Department in Anbar of the decision.

Additionally, a report from the External Audit Division revealed that the valuation process for the properties violated the State Property Sale and Lease Law No. 21 of 2013. The committee responsible for appraising the properties comprised representatives from the State Real Estate Department, the Real Estate Registration Directorate, and the Treasury. The investigating judge has mandated recording statements from the legal representatives of the involved entities, including the State Real Estate Department, the Real Estate Registration Directorate, the Ramadi Municipality, and the General Authority for Taxes in Anbar.