A huge corruption scandal is looming in Iraq: unknowns have stolen almost 2.6 billion euros from the Iraqi tax authorities at the Rafidain Bank in Baghdad (picture above). In a statement, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kasimi spoke of an “misuse of public resources” that was responsible for widespread corruption in the country.
According to Al-Kasimi, his government launched an investigation into the case months ago and handed relevant documents to the judiciary. Earlier, the Iraqi Treasury released a document proving the alleged theft. The media circulated the letter that caused a stir. The Ministry of Finance has called in the government’s anti-corruption service. Those responsible would be held accountable, Al-Kasimis said in a statement on Sunday night.
Country way down in the corruption index
Iraq ranks 157 out of 180 in Transparency International’s corruption index. Critics see a reason for this in the country’s proportional representation system. Central offices are distributed in such a way that all major political groups are involved. The settlement has been in place since the overthrow of longtime ruler Saddam Hussein in 2003 by the US invasion.
Just a few days ago, after months of infighting, parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the country’s new president. The new head of state instructed Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to form a new government. The current cabinet under Prime Minister Al-Kasimi is in office only in an executive capacity.
Al-Sudani vowed to curb rampant corruption in the oil-rich country. “We will not allow the money of Iraqis to be stolen,” he wrote on Twitter.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
