Warrants issued for 28 in Iraqi corruption scandal
{{date|October 11, 2005}}

As a result of the investigation into the misappropriation of approximately one {{w|billion}} {{w|United States dollar|United States dollars}}, the [[Iraq]]i government has issued warrants for the arrest of the former defense minister, Hazem Shaalan, and 27 other senior officials from the [[US]]-sponsored {{w|Iraqi Interim Government|interim government}} of {{w|Iyad Allawi}}.

It is alleged that the missing funds were embezzled during corrupt military procurement procedures that left Iraqi defence forces with sub-standard equipment.  Contracts were over-priced and cash was moved abroad to pay for the outdated equipment; this was in effect a money laundering scheme.

Many of those wanted in connection with the embezzlement are believed to have fled the country; Iraqi officials are seeking assistance from [[Interpol]] to track down suspects.  The ex-defense minister is believed to be in Jordan; the Iraqi government met on Monday with the intention to strip Shaalan of the immunity he is afforded as a {{w|Legislator}}.  This action failed as the parliament did not have a {{w|quorum}}.

== Related News ==
*{{Wikinews|title=U.S. poll numbers sink on Iraq|date=October 11, 2005}}

*{{Wikinews|title=Iraq on verge of civil war, head of Arab league fears|date=October 8, 2005}}

== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4329686.stm
|title= Iraq orders 'corruption' arrests
|author=
|pub=BBC News Online
|date=October 11, 2005}}

*{{source|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/10/11/iraq_seeks_arrest_of_former_officials_over_missing_defense_funds/
|title=Iraq seeks arrest of former officials over missing defense funds
|author=Qassim Abdul-Zahra
|pub=The Boston Globe
|date=October 11, 2005}}

{{Publish}}

{{archive}}
[[Category:Iraq]]
[[Category:Middle East]]
[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:Crime and law]]
[[Category:Interpol]]
As a result of the investigation into the misappropriation of approximately one United States dollar|United States dollars, the Iraqi government has issued warrants for the arrest of the former defense minister, Hazem Shaalan, and 27 other senior officials from the US-sponsored interim government of .

It is alleged that the missing funds were embezzled during corrupt military procurement procedures that left Iraqi defence forces with sub-standard equipment.  Contracts were over-priced and cash was moved abroad to pay for the outdated equipment; this was in effect a money laundering scheme.

Many of those wanted in connection with the embezzlement are believed to have fled the country; Iraqi officials are seeking assistance from Interpol to track down suspects.  The ex-defense minister is believed to be in Jordan; the Iraqi government met on Monday with the intention to strip Shaalan of the immunity he is afforded as a quorum.

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Iraq Middle East Politics and conflicts Crime and law Interpol