Iraqi official claims over $2 trillion stolen since 2003 amid sweeping corruption crackdown
An Iraqi official has claimed that more than $2 trillion in public funds has been stolen from Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion, describing the scale of corruption as unprecedented.
Munir Haddad, legal adviser to Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, said investigations into corruption cases are ongoing, with daily arrests and raids continuing across the country. He noted that several suspects have confessed, helping authorities identify and detain additional individuals.
According to Haddad, the list of suspects includes current and former senior government officials as well as members of parliament. Some suspects reportedly attempted to flee the country, while eight were handed over by authorities in the Kurdistan Region.
He said the investigations cover embezzlement, illicit wealth and money laundering, with authorities examining assets acquired under Iraq's "Where did you get this?" law. Haddad claimed some officials owned dozens of properties, while one suspect's wife allegedly purchased a $5 million property.
He added that corruption trials will be held publicly to ensure transparency.
