Integrity Commission Expects Improved Fund and Fugitive Recovery

The Federal Integrity Commission announced Monday expectations of significant progress in recovering funds and wanted individuals during the upcoming phase, noting differing international laws present a key challenge. Abbas Mutaib, Director-General of the Commission's Recovery Department and Deputy Head of the Iraqi Funds Recovery Fund's Board of Directors, stated that primary obstacles to retrieving smuggled funds stem from varied international legislations. He cited legal restrictions in some nations concerning fugitive handover or banking secrecy disclosure. Mutaib clarified certain countries' laws prevent extraditing individuals meeting specific legal criteria and prohibit disclosing bank accounts holding stolen Iraqi funds. Moreover, some nations consider smuggled funds integral to their national economy, particularly when sums are substantial. He affirmed the Commission utilizes negotiating delegations and concludes agreements with relevant states, not just legal procedures, to secure cooperation for Iraq's recovery requests. Mutaib noted specialized recovery personnel possess high expertise in international law and agreements, fostering excellent achievements.