Integrity: Escalating Efforts to Track Smuggled Funds

The Federal Integrity Commission and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) stressed the need to enhance international and regional cooperation to combat cross-border corruption. They emphasized that this requires boosting the efficiency of law enforcement institutions and strengthening their ability to prevent and prosecute corruption. During his meeting with the OIC's Director-General in Baghdad, Mohamed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, the Commission's Head, Mohamed Ali Al-Lami, highlighted the importance of fostering communication among Islamic nations to bolster anti-corruption efforts. Al-Lami noted that integrity and safeguarding public funds are intrinsic to Islamic Sharia, which upholds principles of honesty, justice, and public money sanctity. He urged an active Islamic alliance to pursue corruption and recover stolen funds. Both sides agreed on expanding cooperation among member states, especially in exchanging expertise and information, and providing mutual legal assistance. They also stressed greater coordination between specialized anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to prosecute criminals and recover funds and assets. It is noteworthy that the Council of Ministers ratified Iraq's accession to an agreement designed to efficiently and rapidly enhance information and investigation exchange between law enforcement authorities, and develop cooperation in technical assistance, training, and experience sharing. Its scope covers bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling, abuse of office, illicit enrichment, money laundering/concealment of proceeds, and obstruction of justice, all while respecting state sovereignty and non-interference as per its provisions.