The Federal Integrity Commission announced on Wednesday the dismantling of a corruption network in Nasiriyah municipality consisting of 16 employees. This came after intensive investigations following reports of suspected corruption inside the municipality.
Firstly, the commission’s investigation office in Thi Qar province formed a special team. The team’s goal was to examine the allegations, which ultimately revealed manipulation and forgery in transactions related to the allocation of residential land plots belonging to the municipality. As a result, these actions caused significant harm to the municipality’s funds and interests.
Moreover, the team managed to seize hundreds of forged transactions. Most of these related to land plots manipulated to benefit the accused employees. The team discovered that the employees used blank bonds, receipts, and forged official documents to gain personal benefits.
In addition, the team found sales commitments submitted by landowners, which included declarations not to claim the land after the allocation was completed. The accused also pressured the owners to buy forged receipts. They organized illegal land allocation and sales records that violated laws and regulations.
Furthermore, in coordination with the judiciary, the commission executed arrest warrants against 15 of the accused employees. One suspect remains at large, and authorities continue searching for him. The authorities filed an official seizure report based on Article 307 of the Penal Code. Subsequently, they referred the case to the investigating judge at the Nasiriyah court to complete the legal procedures.
This case clearly demonstrates the presence of a corruption network in Nasiriyah municipality exploiting their positions for illicit gains. The Integrity Commission confirms its ongoing efforts to fight corruption in all its forms, especially within government institutions.
This event also reflects the urgent need to strengthen oversight of municipal transactions. It also highlights the importance of strictly enforcing laws to protect citizens’ rights and public funds. The commission warns anyone tempted to misuse their position that legal accountability will follow.
In short, the Integrity Commission succeeded in uncovering and dismantling a serious corruption network in Nasiriyah municipality and stressed that investigations continue to hold all involved accountable.
