A major action has been taken against corruption in Iraq. So far, 47 people, including MPs and senior officials, have been arrested on charges of embezzlement of government money and financial irregularities.
The raid on the house of a female MP as part of an anti-corruption campaign in Iraq shocked the entire country. Security agencies in Baghdad seized a huge amount of cash and gold while raiding the residence of MP Hind al-Abbasi. The most talked about thing is the underwear made of gold, which has been confiscated by the authorities. This case is considered to be part of a larger ongoing action against corruption in Iraq.
Cash worth crores and 27 kg gold recovered from MP’s house
According to reports, around Rs 927 crore in cash and 27 kg of gold were recovered during the raid. An underwear made entirely of gold is also said to be among the seized items, which has made the case more sensational. Officials say that this action was taken as part of the investigation into alleged embezzlement of government funds and financial irregularities. However, the government has not yet issued a detailed official statement regarding the recovery.
47 arrested, many MPs and officers under investigation
So far 47 people have been arrested in the anti-corruption campaign that has been going on in Iraq for the last few days. These also include many MPs and senior government officials. Security agencies have conducted rapid raids in many cities including Baghdad. According to officials, lakhs of dollars in cash, gold, arms and ammunition were also recovered from the arrested people. Government sources claim that the scope of the investigation is continuously increasing and more big names may come to light in the coming days.
A major recovery was also made from the house of former Petroleum Deputy Minister.
This is not the first major action. Earlier, the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq had raided the house of a former deputy petroleum minister and seized about 10 million dollars in cash, 3 billion Iraqi dinars, huge amount of gold jewellery, several guns and documents of about 40 properties. These actions have raised serious questions about the roots of corruption in Iraq and alleged economic irregularities in the political system.
Currently, the name of MP Hind al-Abbasi is present as a member on the official website of the Iraqi Parliament. The government has not yet given clear information regarding formal charges against him and further legal action. Iraq’s Prime Minister has indicated that the campaign against corruption will continue and agencies involved in investigations will be given full independence. In such a situation, this matter can become a big issue in the politics of Iraq in the coming days.