Iraqi politician accuses officials of billion-dollar corruption, sparking political dispute

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi politician Mishan al-Jubouri has accused a group of senior politicians and officials of large-scale financial corruption, alleging fraudulent tenders and billions of dollars in irregular spending. In a statement, al-Jubouri accused former official Adnan al-Jumaili of overseeing billion-dollar payments and fictitious contracts without legal basis. Al-Jubouri said additional files linked to the Baiji refinery, worth hundreds of billions of dollars, have been referred to the Commission on Integrity but were not pursued because of political pressure. He claimed some members of parliament and influential figures are connected to the files. Separately, sources said a member of the Salahaddin Provincial Council was offered billions of dinars as part of a political deal tied to local cases. Reports also said the power-sharing arrangement among political parties in appointing officials has fueled disputes over the selection of administrative cadres, with some political forces accused of blocking legal action against certain officials. The claims, which lack confirmed judicial rulings, continue to fuel mutual accusations and competing narratives between political factions in public debate. No verified court findings or official responses from the named individuals were immediately available.