Iraq sets up body to tackle ‘major’ corruption cases

Judge Hanoun appointed Iraq said on Wednesday it has set up a high commission to investigate “major cases of corruption”, as the newly appointed premier makes tackling graft a priority. Corruption, mismanagement and nepotism are rife in Iraq where they has caused widespread public anger. Days after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani was appointed last month, authorities announced they were investigating the “theft” of $2.5 billion from the tax authority, with a hearing by a judge of five senior tax officials. The high commission, whose creation the Commission of Integrity announced on Wednesday, will be specifically responsible for “investigating major cases of corruption” such as the tax authority case, said Judge Haider Hanoun, who will now head both bodies.