Baghdad: The Federal Integrity Commission announced the successful extradition of Mohammed Ismat Mohammed Saeed from the United Arab Emirates. Saeed, a fugitive convict, was wanted on four court rulings for embezzling over 1.031 billion Iraqi dinars from the Companies Registry Department of the Ministry of Trade.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Saeed embezzled the funds while serving as a cashier in the Companies Registry Department. He manipulated receipts and revenues, recorded falsified amounts, and misappropriated financial discrepancies, exploiting his position to commit these actions. The Extradition Department had previously sent four extradition requests to the UAE. Coordinating with domestic and international authorities, an international red notice was issued, leading to Saeed’s arrest and extradition to Iraq to face legal proceedings.
The commission stated that the evidence in the cases included statements from the legal representatives of the Ministry of Trade and the Companies Registrar, witness testimonies, the results of an administrative investigation, and the fact that Saeed fled. The court found this evidence sufficient to convict him of embezzling public funds.
The courts had issued four in absentia judgments against Saeed under Article (315) of the Iraqi Penal Code No. (111 of 1969), as amended. These included prison sentences totaling 55 years, the seizure of his assets, and maintaining the affected party’s right to claim compensation in civil courts once the judgments are final.
The commission confirmed that this extradition was the result of ongoing international efforts and collaboration with relevant authorities, particularly the Arab and International Police Directorate at the Ministry of Interior and judicial bodies. Persistent pursuit continued even after previous extradition attempts failed, ultimately leading to Saeed’s arrest and return. This effort is part of the commission’s commitment to pursuing those convicted of corruption and preventing their escape from justice.