Al-Sudani reveals that half of the money from the “theft of the century” was smuggled out of Iraq
Al-Sudani reveals that half of the money from the “theft of the century” was smuggled out of Iraq
2024-07-13 06:52
Shafaq News/ Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani considered, on Saturday, the issue of stealing tax deposits known as the “theft of the century”, a black spot in the history of the Iraqi state, noting that it was carried out under official cover and half of its money was smuggled out of the country. He also directed all officers and commanders to submit a statement of their financial assets.
This came during his visit to the Federal Integrity Commission and his chairing of a meeting in which he pointed out that the Integrity Commission represents an essential tool in implementing the government program and what is related to the priority of combating corruption, appreciating the distinguished efforts of the Commission’s employees, which have instilled hope among the general public that there is a real will to combat financial and administrative corruption.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of the theft of tax deposits, which represents a black spot in the history of the state due to the nature and size of the stolen funds, under official cover, in collusion with state employees. Half of this money was smuggled out of the country, stressing the continuation of efforts to recover it, according to the statement.
He pointed out that the work of the Commission is clearly different from the previous stage, stressing the need to continue with the same professional path in work, especially since public opinion was concerned about the selectivity in combating corruption and the political nature in opening files, as happened in the Committee of Diwani Order 29, which no longer exists, as work is being carried out today in accordance with the law and in cooperation with the executive and judicial authorities.
Al-Sudani stressed the need to quickly address any shortcomings that appear from the integrity employees, and rejected any employee exploiting his position, especially if he is charged with monitoring and protecting integrity, stressing that he communicates daily with the Integrity Commission and its head for follow-up and guidance.
The Prime Minister directed all officers and commanders to submit a statement of their financial assets, and directed all departments to continue to set and update the standards for dealing with bribery by surveying citizens’ opinions. He also directed to submit a periodic position on the ministries’ procedures in the matter of integrity, and to respond quickly to the subject of the reports that are received.
He pointed out that “special committees were formed to investigate special grades and hold senior employees accountable, and they began their work to include any official if it is proven that there has been harm to public funds.”
He also pointed out that “directions were made to form investigation committees in ministries, governorates, and entities not affiliated with a ministry, because there is a slowness that has affected the processing of reports and lawsuits.”
shafaq.com
