The case highlights ongoing issues of corruption within Iraq's public institutions, where accountability often falls short at the highest levels.
The disparity in sentencing between high-ranking officials and lower-level employees raises questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in Iraq.
Future investigations may uncover additional individuals involved in the theft, potentially leading to further legal actions.
The case may prompt increased public demand for transparency and accountability in Iraq's government, influencing future political dynamics.
The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council has sentenced 13 individuals, including a prominent businessman and former officials, to prison terms ranging from 3 to 10 years for their roles in the theft of $2.5 billion in tax money, a case dubbed the 'theft of the century.'
The Karkh Criminal Court, which specializes in corruption cases, issued these sentences following a scandal that emerged in 2022 when it was revealed that the funds were withdrawn from the state-owned Rafidain Bank through fraudulent checks.
Key figures sentenced include Nour Zuhair, who received a 10-year sentence, and Haitham al-Jabouri, who was sentenced to 3 years. Some defendants are currently under arrest, while others remain at large, complicating the enforcement of justice in this high-profile case.
Despite the significant sums involved and the high-profile nature of the case, experts note that sanctions in Iraq often target lower-level officials rather than those at the top of the corruption hierarchy.
