Iraq reviews investment projects linked to former lawmaker al-Haffaji

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A series of investment projects associated with former lawmaker and ex-head of Iraq's Investment and Development Commission Hussein al-Haffaji has resurfaced in public discussion after official documents and investor complaints were reviewed, according to information circulating in Iraqi media. Authorities have taken legal steps to terminate and cancel contracts for projects that failed to meet their stated objectives. Documents indicate that officials are reassessing the financial obligations generated by the terminated contracts, and are asking where the funds allocated to those projects went and who should be held accountable for the failures. A group of investors has filed formal complaints alleging that al-Haffaji demanded shares and financial contributions from companies in exchange for facilitating administrative and legal procedures. The complaints also include allegations of interference in official files and the use of influence, though no final judicial rulings have been issued. Calls have grown for a full investigation into the failed projects, the way investment opportunities were awarded, and the role of oversight bodies. No further details on the legal proceedings were immediately available.