Iraq probes $2 trillion corruption losses as arrests mount

Iraqi authorities are investigating what officials describe as more than $2 trillion in losses to corruption since 2003, a senior adviser to the prime minister said, as arrests continue in a widening anti-corruption crackdown.

Munir Haddad said 47 suspects, including government officials and members of parliament, were detained on Sunday, according to the state-run INA news agency. He added that the total number of arrests is rising as security forces carry out daily operations under strict secrecy.

“For example, the wife of one of the detained (corrupt officials — ed.) purchased an apartment for $50 million; several officials have also been detained, each owning more than 50 apartments registered in their name or in the names of their relatives,” Haddad said.

Haddad said some of the suspects attempted to flee Iraq or sought refuge in the autonomous Kurdistan region, though regional authorities have already extradited eight individuals to Baghdad.

He emphasised that forthcoming trials related to the corruption cases would be conducted publicly. The investigation is among the most significant anti-corruption efforts in Iraq in recent years, targeting senior figures and vast alleged financial misconduct.

By Tamilla Hasanova