Baghdad and Washington Enhance Cooperation to Combat Corruption and Recover Smuggled Funds

Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, Head of the Federal Integrity Commission, affirmed on Monday that combating corruption and protecting public funds necessitate concerted national and international efforts. Al-Lami emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in pursuing those involved in corruption cases who have enriched themselves at the expense of public money, as well as recovering wanted individuals and smuggled funds. These statements came during Al-Lami's meeting with the US Chargé d'affaires in Iraq, Stephen Fagin. Al-Lami stressed the importance of activating international cooperation mechanisms and leveraging the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), particularly the provisions of Chapter V related to asset recovery. He noted that recovering assets and funds obtained through corruption is a fundamental pillar in global anti-corruption efforts. He also highlighted the need to remove obstacles to recovery, such as dual nationality, legislative differences, and claims of political targeting. Al-Lami further pointed to the necessity of giving priority to the preventative aspect within anti-corruption strategies, in line with Chapter II of the UN Convention. This includes developing preventative measures, promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability, consolidating rules of professional conduct, curbing conflicts of interest, and enhancing the transparency of public finance management and government procurement. Additionally, it involves broadening the participation of society and media in prevention efforts and spreading a culture of integrity. The Head of the Commission explained that fostering integrity and combating corruption contribute to creating a secure and attractive investment environment. This is achieved by strengthening the rule of law, transparency, equal opportunities, and protecting investors and their funds from corrupt practices. He underscored the importance of supporting governmental directives aimed at expanding investment opportunities and consolidating economic cooperation with foreign countries and companies. For his part, Stephen Fagin, the US Chargé d'affaires in Iraq, expressed his country's desire to intensify cooperation with Iraq across various fields. Fagin noted the evolving paths of cooperation between the two countries, which have transitioned from military support to broader economic collaboration, in addition to areas of integrity and anti-corruption. He reaffirmed the importance of continuous coordination and exchange of expertise to serve the common interests of both nations. The meeting explored prospects for cooperation between the Integrity Commission and the US side in areas of corruption prevention, deterrence, and combat. It also covered the exchange of expertise and strengthening coordination on matters of mutual interest, thereby supporting efforts to protect public funds and pursue and recover corruption proceeds.