10-05-2025
FCoI commissioner: We have provided privileges and protection for those cooperating in uncovering corruption cases
Baghdad-INA
The head of the Federal Commission of Integrity (FcoI), Mohammed Ali al-Lami, confirmed on Saturday that the government has made anti-corruption efforts a top priority in its program, he noted that Iraq succeeded in recovering more than half a billion dollars in smuggled funds in 2024, noting that the commission has provided privileges and protection to those who cooperate in uncovering corruption cases.
Al-Lami said in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Federal Integrity Commission enjoys support from the three branches of government," noting that "the government has placed (anti-corruption efforts) among the priorities of its curriculum and governmental program, which has been clearly reflected in the work of the commission; which has clearly contributed to accelerating the pace of work and the cooperation of state institutions in reducing corruption channels."
He added that "the efforts of the government, the judiciary, and the supporting bodies supported the Commission's procedures to recover smuggled funds and provided fertile ground for cooperation with various countries around the world to overcome the difficulties facing these efforts, "he indicated that "the combination of national efforts led to Iraq's success in concluding many agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation with many countries around the world where smuggled Iraqi funds and assets are located, or which were present before 2003, as an important and necessary step to recover them (and Iraq's success in recovering more than half a billion dollars of smuggled funds during the year 2024 is only a reflection of this cooperation, which will lead to greater successes in the near future)."
Al-Lami pointed out that "the Commission's investigative work is a true embodiment of the principle of 'the accused is innocent until proven guilty,'" noting that "this commitment stems from the duties imposed by laws, human rights standards, the country's social nature, and its reputation in international forums, which we all strive to preserve; and to encourage investment opportunities and attract capital that supports reconstruction and development efforts, creates job opportunities, and reduces unemployment."
He explained that "those following the Commission's recent activity clearly notice this through the Commission's keenness to refrain from publishing details of cases that are still under investigation and not to mention the explicit names of the accused in them," He explained that "the guarantees granted by law to the accused can provide clear evidence and help to reveal other accused in the cases that the Commission is considering without coercion or pressure. This is what the Commission follows during the investigation stages, which are under the direct supervision of the Integrity Judges."
Al-Lami noted that 'the Authority's strategy for the next phase is based on working within the law and cooperating with everyone, in order to build a national environment that is resentful of corruption and openness to all state institutions to cooperate in reducing corruption paths, in the belief that this fateful battle requires concerted efforts and solidarity.' He stressed that 'the draft national strategy for the years (2025-2030) gave the private sector, civil society organizations, and international organizations an important role in implementation, in addition to state institutions, ministries, and its three authorities.'
Regarding the challenges that may face the Commission's work during the next phase, the Commission's Chairman stressed his "true belief that any challenges that may face the Commission's work can be overcome and surmounted through the support that the Commission has received from the three authorities, the components of the people, and their national symbols."
