Iraq’s Vulnerability to Organized Crime: A Complex Situation

The current situation in Iraq is marked by a complex interplay of factors that contribute to its vulnerability to organized crime and weak governance. This article highlights the key points that summarize the challenges facing the country.

Security Situation: Challenges Ahead

Outdated Criminal Procedures and Corruption

Rampant corruption and nepotism threaten criminal justice and security in Iraq.
The country’s criminal procedures are outdated, riddled with corruption, and lack modern investigation techniques.
The judicial system is overburdened, and its efficacy is hindered by corruption, a lack of political independence, limited institutional cooperation, long delays, and a lack of enforcement regarding both penalties and investigations into criminal activity.

Economic and Financial Environment: A Haven for Money Laundering

Susceptibility to Money Laundering

Iraq is highly susceptible to money laundering, lacking both a structured banking system and effective anti-money laundering mechanisms.
Criminal syndicates take advantage of lax law enforcement and Iraq’s cash-based economy, which allows money to flow easily in and out of the country.
Corruption hinders the establishment of international banking relationships, limiting possibilities for financial transactions and rendering the economy largely cash-based.

Victim and Witness Support Services

Victim and witness support services in Iraq are limited.
Despite increased government efforts to identify and assist human trafficking victims, major deficiencies persist, and law enforcement officials lack the necessary training in victim identification methods.
The healthcare system is overburdened and unable to provide adequate support for substance abuse, despite an increase in drug consumption among the Iraqi population.

Border Security: High Porosity and Corruption

Cross-Border Organized Criminal Activity

High border porosity has enabled cross-border organized criminal activity such as drug and human trafficking to flourish.
Foreign militias are in control of many of Iraq’s borders, while Kurdish authorities operate border crossing points largely independently of the Iraqi state.
Corruption among border officials remains pervasive, and lack of cooperation between border officials in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan threatens territorial integrity and security.

Challenges Ahead: Securing the Country’s Borders

Long-Standing Border Issues

Securing the country’s borders will be a primary concern for the Iraqi government.
Long-standing border issues between Iraq and its neighbors persist.
The proposed cybercrime law could further tighten governmental control of journalists and civil society, limiting their ability to report on organized crime and advocate for victims’ rights.

Overall, Iraq faces significant challenges in its efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen its governance. Addressing these challenges will require a sustained commitment from the government, civil society, and international partners to improve the country’s legal framework, law enforcement capacity, economic regulatory environment, and social protection systems.