Baghdad: The Chairman of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, has called upon member states of the United Nations Convention against Corruption to collaborate and provide mutual legal assistance to recover assets and funds lost to corruption. During his meeting with Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hohn at the commission’s headquarters, Al-Lami emphasized Iraq’s ongoing efforts to rid state institutions of corruption and halt the smuggling of revenues, highlighting the necessity of these funds for completing development and reconstruction projects.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Lami highlighted Iraq’s dual approach to recovering funds. The first aspect involves retrieving Iraqi funds acquired through illegal means by both Iraqis and foreigners, due to the misuse of the Oil for Food Program, economic sabotage, and exploitation of sanctions on Iraq prior to 2003. The second aspect focuses on the proceeds of corruption smuggled out of the country after 2003.

Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hohn expressed his admiration for Iraq’s efforts to foster development and undertake significant reconstruction projects. He acknowledged Iraq’s genuine intentions to curb corruption and prosecute those involved. Hohn affirmed Switzerland’s readiness to collaborate with Iraq in returning the smuggled funds and assets, indicating that Swiss authorities are actively working with their Iraqi counterparts to ensure the repatriation of these assets.