Iraq anti-corruption body finds 16,000 deceased still on pension rolls

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission announced on August 21, 2026, that a comprehensive cross-check of National Pension Fund records identified roughly 16,000 deceased individuals still receiving pension payments. The commission said the discrepancies amount to irregularities in public spending. The audit was carried out after approval from the relevant authorities, according to the commission's statement. Officials said pensions continued to be disbursed to the listed individuals despite their deaths, resulting in what the commission described as misuse of public funds. The Federal Integrity Commission said the files of those identified would be examined in detail and that legal proceedings would be initiated against those responsible. The pension fund's records are to be updated and payments to deceased beneficiaries halted as part of the review. The commission added that its investigation is being conducted in coordination with the relevant institutions. No further details were immediately available.