Foreign experts arrive in Baghdad to trace stolen Iraqi funds

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An international commission of American and foreign experts has arrived in Baghdad to help trace misappropriated Iraqi funds and support their recovery, Iraq's anti-corruption authorities said. The specialists are working alongside domestic anti-corruption teams, using their experience to follow dollar-linked transfers, map the flow of stolen public money and identify those behind the smuggling, according to information obtained by Iraqi outlets. A source said the next phase could include detention orders targeting individuals described as "corruption whales," with prosecutions potentially extending beyond current ministers, under-secretaries and director-generals to former holders of senior ministerial and government posts. He added that funds recovered under "Operation Fajr" are undergoing technical examination before being transferred to the state treasury. Salem al-Zubaidi, leader of the Nasr Alliance, said the government is cooperating with international organizations on anti-corruption efforts and the return of stolen funds, and that coordination with Interpol is continuing. No further details on the commission's mandate or timeline were immediately available.