Government Infiltration and Corruption Enable Widespread Criminal Activity in Iraq

A new report has revealed the alarming extent of organized crime in Iraq, with criminal networks generating millions of dollars from illicit activities such as arms trafficking, drug trafficking, and oil smuggling.

Enabling Environment for Crime

Iraq’s porous borders, corrupt officials, and weak governance have created an environment conducive to criminal activity. The country’s reliance on informal underground money-transfer networks, such as hawala, has made it challenging to detect illicit financial flows.

Involvement of Kurdish Groups and Militias

The report highlights the involvement of Kurdish political-military groups, militias, and tribal structures in these illegal operations. These groups often operate with impunity, using their connections to exploit border zones and corrupt officials.

Private Sector Involvement

Iraq’s private sector is also deeply embroiled in criminal activities, with extortion and money laundering being common practices.

Mafia-Style Groups

Mafia-style groups have become increasingly prevalent, engaging in violent activities such as secret prisons, mass graves, and extortion. They have also infiltrated oil smuggling operations, with a significant portion of Iraq’s oil being trafficked to Turkey.

Government Enablement

The Iraqi government’s leadership and governance structure has been criticized for its role in enabling organized crime. The quota system used to allocate government positions has led to internal rivalries and corruption, while the lack of judges, lawyers, and prosecutors hinders the ability to combat criminal activity.

Fragile Economic Environment

The report also highlights the country’s fragile economic environment, with oil exports dominating the economy and capital flight exacerbating unemployment and debt volumes. Political instability has emboldened actors to exploit the state’s structural weaknesses, further straining its regulatory capacity.

Limited Support Services

Victim and witness support services are limited in Iraq, with a lack of training among law enforcement officials in victim identification methods. The healthcare system is overburdened, and welfare shelters for female victims operate underground with minimal resources.

Challenges for Civil Society

Civil society organizations face significant challenges in their efforts to combat organized crime, including funding deficits, inadequate strategies, and government harassment. Activists, journalists, and lawyers who criticize the government are at risk of attack or murder.

Urgent Action Required

The report’s findings have raised serious concerns about the state of governance and security in Iraq. The Iraqi government must take immediate action to address these issues and bring an end to the rampant corruption and criminal activity that is undermining the country’s stability and prosperity.