Iraq expands anti-corruption operation, tracks overseas luxury assets

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has entered the second phase of an anti-corruption campaign known as "Fajr," with a special commission under the prime minister reviewing files of senior officials at the Health, Oil and Electricity ministries, according to sources close to the government. Investigators say public funds were embezzled and channeled into luxury residential complexes in the United States, Europe and Turkey, and that legal proceedings have been initiated to trace and recover those assets. The sources said the new list includes well-known figures and individuals with influence in state institutions, and that irregularities in contracts were pushed through by officials close to decision-making authorities. They added that the embezzled funds had depleted foreign currency resources, without providing figures. The government is also reviewing a draft law publicly referred to as "Where did you get this money?" If approved by the Cabinet, the legislation would be sent to the Iraqi parliament, the sources said. The announcement follows a wave of detentions targeting politicians, lawmakers and businesspeople on Sunday. Iraq’s Federal Integrity Commission said the arrest warrants were carried out under judicial supervision and within the law, and indicated that further cases could be opened as the investigations continue at home and abroad.