Iraqi Integrity Commission: Recovering Smuggled Funds Crucial for National Development and Reconstruction

The Head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, affirmed on Sunday that Iraq seeks to recover its smuggled funds from abroad to bolster the state treasury and channel them towards supporting reconstruction and development projects. Al-Lami emphasized the importance of international collaboration in recovering assets and extraditing those wanted in corruption cases, within the framework of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This statement came during his meeting with the Swiss Confederation's Ambassador to Iraq, Daniel Hon, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission. Al-Lami discussed the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries in the fields of preventing, combating corruption, and fostering integrity and transparency within state institutions. He also stressed enhancing mechanisms for cooperation and mutual legal assistance between the two nations, especially regarding the recovery of corruption proceeds and bringing those wanted to justice. The Head of the Commission noted that pursuing and recovering smuggled funds represents a fundamental pillar in national efforts to combat corruption. He clarified the necessity of activating the international cooperation tools stipulated in the UN Convention Against Corruption, which contributes to narrowing safe havens for funds obtained from corruption crimes and those involved in committing them, ensuring their return to their countries of origin. Al-Lami commended the cooperation demonstrated by Ambassador Daniel Hon during his tenure in Iraq, expressing his hope for continued development of relations and coordination between the two countries in supervisory and legal aspects, and wishing the Ambassador success in his future assignments. For his part, Swiss Ambassador Daniel Hon affirmed his country's readiness to continue supporting Iraq, particularly its supervisory institutions, in their efforts to pursue corrupt individuals and recover ill-gotten gains. Hon stressed support for efforts aimed at establishing principles of integrity, transparency, and the rule of law, given their effective role in creating a secure and attractive investment environment and enhancing trust in government institutions.