Iraq funds recovery marked a major step in protecting public money and strengthening accountability. Iraqi authorities recovered more than $3 million from Lebanon after sustained legal action. The funds belonged to the Baghdad Municipality and linked directly to a major embezzlement case. Therefore, officials described the recovery as a clear success for anti-corruption efforts.
The Federal Commission of Integrity led Iraq funds recovery through careful investigation and legal coordination. First, investigators traced stolen municipal funds outside Iraq. Next, legal teams prepared complete judicial files. Then, they submitted the case to Lebanese courts. As a result, the judiciary ruled in favor of the Iraqi government and approved fund recovery.
Officials confirmed that the recovered amount exceeded $3 million in total value. They explained that the stolen money moved through foreign banking systems. Consequently, investigators relied on international legal cooperation. They worked closely with Lebanese judicial authorities to ensure lawful procedures. This cooperation played a central role in Iraq funds recovery.
The recovered money entered an official Iraqi Embassy account in Beirut. After that, financial officials transferred the funds to Iraq. They used the SWIFT international financial transfer system. This method ensured secure, traceable, and transparent movement. Thus, authorities maintained full financial oversight during the transfer process.
Investigations revealed that the case involved a wider corruption scheme. That scheme included nearly 17 billion Iraqi dinars taken from the Baghdad Municipality. The embezzlement weakened municipal budgets and affected public services. Therefore, Iraq funds recovery aimed to reduce financial damage and restore public trust.
Authorities also focused on assets purchased with stolen funds. Investigators identified a residential apartment bought abroad. The convicted individual purchased the property using embezzled money. Legal teams began procedures to transfer ownership to the Iraqi state. These procedures reached their final legal stages through coordination with relevant institutions.
The Ministry of Justice supported the legal process from the Iraqi side. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon handled diplomatic coordination. Together, institutions followed international legal standards carefully. Officials reviewed documents step by step to avoid legal challenges. Their goal focused on reclaiming every stolen asset.
Earlier efforts achieved additional financial recoveries linked to the same case. Iraqi authorities previously recovered more than $9.3 million. They traced that money to Lebanese bank accounts. Those accounts operated under false identities. Courts approved seizures after full legal verification and documentation.
Security forces arrested the convicted individual in Lebanon during an attempted escape. Courts later issued a life imprisonment sentence. Judges ordered confiscation of all movable assets. They also ordered confiscation of immovable assets inside and outside Iraq. These rulings reinforced accountability and legal authority.
Officials described the case as a strong warning against corruption. They stressed that stolen public money remains traceable worldwide. Moreover, leaders promised continued pursuit of assets abroad. They emphasized zero tolerance for financial crimes. Iraq funds recovery remains a national economic priority.