Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami to Face Parliamentary Inquiry Over Corruption Allegations
Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami is set to be summoned to parliament to address a series of pressing issues, including corruption allegations related to the "Theft of the Century" scandal, according to a member of the legislature’s Intelligence Committee.
Vian Dakhil, a member of the Intelligence Committee, revealed that the committee is investigating several ministries and government departments, with the Ministry of Finance under particular scrutiny. "We have a case against the Ministry of Finance and Taif Sami. We will invite him to parliament to discuss the issue, prepare a report, and vote on it in the committee. Countermeasures will be taken," Dakhil told Kurdistan 24.
One of the primary concerns is the Ministry's handling of funds. Despite Iraq's significant reserves in the central bank, many institutions, ministries, and provinces are reportedly struggling to access these funds, causing widespread financial difficulties. Dakhil stressed that this mismanagement poses a serious problem for the public, adding that the committee intends to question Sami on the matter.
The Ministry of Finance has been under intense scrutiny following the "Theft of the Century" scandal, where 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) were embezzled from tax deposits. The funds were withdrawn from Al-Rafidain Bank through 247 checks issued to five companies, which then cashed them out. The scandal emerged toward the end of former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi's term, raising concerns about the oversight of state-owned banks under the Ministry of Finance.
Parliament’s Intelligence Committee is expected to push for further investigations into the Ministry’s role in corruption and financial mismanagement, with calls for stronger accountability measures.