Savaya opens files on suspicious funds in Iraq: a comprehensive review and anticipated sanctions
Savaya opens files on suspicious funds in Iraq: a comprehensive review and anticipated sanctions
2026-01-15
Shafaq News – Washington
Mark Savaya, President Donald Trump’s envoy to Iraq, announced on Thursday that a comprehensive review of suspicious payments and financial transactions in Iraq is underway with the U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control, along with discussions of potential sanctions targeting networks that undermine financial integrity and fund terrorist activities.
In a statement, Savaya said he met today with the U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Foreign Assets Control to discuss key challenges and reform opportunities in Iraq’s state-owned and private banks, with a clear focus on strengthening financial governance, compliance, and corporate accountability.
He explained that the two sides agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of suspicious payment records and financial transactions involving institutions, companies and individuals in Iraq, related to smuggling, money laundering and fraudulent financial contracts and projects that fund and enable terrorist activities.
He added that the talks also included a discussion of the next steps regarding anticipated sanctions targeting malicious entities and networks that undermine financial integrity and state authority.
The US president’s envoy affirmed that the relationship between Iraq and the United States has never been stronger than it is today under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump praised the special envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, commending his negotiating skills.
“Well done,” Trump said at a press conference. “This guy negotiates better than anybody else.”
He added: “With regard to Iraq, you need a skilled negotiator, Mark.”
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