Iraq's anti-corruption body halts 19-billion-dinar property auction in Anbar

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission said it uncovered corruption in the auction of a state property in Anbar province and ordered the bidding process halted. The commission said irregularities were found in ownership documents linked to the property. The agency instructed relevant authorities to review land registries and auction files, and referred the case to legal bodies for further action. It warned the planned sale could cause roughly 19 billion Iraqi dinars in public financial losses and run counter to the public interest. The decision was formally communicated to relevant public institutions and to the Anbar local administration, the commission said. It added that all financial and administrative procedures tied to the property have been suspended pending the completion of legal processes.