Integrity Commission publishes 2024 annual report

The Integrity Commission's 2024 annual report has been released, providing a detailed account of its investigative, preventive, and awareness activities throughout last year. While the report presents an optimistic view of achievements, the actual effectiveness and impact of these measures remain questionable.

The Commission cites support from the three branches of government as a key enabler, but it is unclear whether this backing has translated into genuine systemic reform or merely facilitated superficial improvements.

According to the report, financial investigations conducted by the Commission resulted in legal action across a broad spectrum of cases. Funds involved in legal claims, court rulings mandating restitution, and sums seized during operations totaled 940.8 billion IQD and $8.7 billion. However, without transparency in how these figures were determined and whether recovered assets have been effectively reintegrated into public budgets, the credibility of these numbers remains doubtful.

Additionally, the Commission reviewed 71,823 reports and criminal cases, processing 36,505 of them. Judicial measures led to the resolution of 24,220 cases, involving 20,299 defendants who faced 28,534 charges. Among these individuals, 44 ministers or equivalent officials were accused of 65 offenses, while 338 individuals holding special grades and directorial positions faced 577 charges. While these figures seem impressive on paper, convictions are often followed by prolonged appeals, reduced sentences, or legal loopholes that allow high-profile offenders to evade meaningful consequences. Furthermore, convictions of senior officials often take place in absentia, and their extradition to Iraq remains difficult.