Iraq’s Government Accused of Being in Bed with Criminal Elites

Despite claims of stability, Iraq remains plagued by organized crime, with militias involved in a wide range of illicit economies.

A Web of Corruption and Criminal Activity

The Iraqi government has long been accused of turning a blind eye to criminal activities, including:

Arms trafficking
Drug trafficking
Illegal oil trade

The country’s porous borders and weak law enforcement make it an attractive hub for criminal networks, many of which are backed by corrupt officials.

Mafia-Style Groups Gain Notoriety

In recent years, mafia-style groups have gained notoriety in Iraq, using violence and intimidation to exert control over:

Legal businesses
Illicit goods

In Iraqi Kurdistan, these groups have been accused of targeting:

Independent media outlets
Journalists who dare to speak out against them

The Government’s Quota System Exacerbates the Problem

The government’s quota system, implemented since 2003, has created a fragmented political leadership that fuels patronage networks and widespread corruption.

Compromised Parliament and Judiciary

Iraq’s Parliament approved a new government in October 2022, but many of its members are believed to be affiliated with organized crime. The country’s judiciary is also deeply compromised, with:

Judges being threatened or killed by criminal groups

Economic Environment Dire

Iraq’s cash-based economy makes it easy for criminals to launder money and move funds across borders. The lack of a structured banking system and effective anti-money laundering mechanisms only adds to the problem.

Limited Support Services for Victims

Victims of organized crime face limited support services, and the government has been accused of failing to provide adequate protection for those who have been victimized.

Civil Society Under Attack

Civil society is also under attack, with:

Activists facing harassment and intimidation
Journalists and lawyers being targeted by criminal groups

Unclear Path Forward

As Iraq struggles to come to terms with its corruption crisis, it remains unclear whether the government is capable of reforming itself or if external intervention will be necessary to bring about change.