Iraqi court jails defendant for three years in fraud case

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission said a criminal court in Hilla sentenced a defendant to three years in prison for defrauding a citizen by falsely claiming to hold an official position. The commission announced the verdict on Tuesday. According to the commission, the defendant told the victim that the victim's mother was under investigation and that he worked on an oversight committee. He demanded money, claiming he could close the case file and influence proceedings, and promised to deliver the funds to an investigator to halt the inquiry. An examination found that the defendant's mother was not a party to any case and was heard only as a witness. The court convicted him based on the evidence, the complainant's testimony and witness statements, applying Article 312, paragraph 1 of the Iraqi Penal Code. The complainant was also granted the right to seek compensation in civil courts. The commission urged the public not to cooperate with individuals who claim to be affiliated with the body outside formal legal channels.