Iraqi government launches investigation into major gold smuggling attempt on national airline
The investigation comes after security personnel at Baghdad International Airport intercepted a co-pilot attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of gold bullion to Turkey.
Nov. 18, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24)- The Iraqi Government Communications Office announced on Monday that it has formally requested Mohammed Ali al-Lami, Chairman of the Integrity Commission, to investigate the attempted smuggling of a significant amount of gold through an Iraqi Airways flight.
In an official statement, the government cited Article 14, Paragraph 1 of the amended Integrity Commission and Unlawful Profit Law No. 30 of 2011, which stipulates that "the investigating judge must notify the Commission's legal department when beginning an investigation into any corruption case."
The statement further referenced Paragraph 3 of the same article, which outlines that "the investigating judge completes the investigation of any corruption case selected by the Commission and submits it to one of the investigators of the Commission's Investigation Department or one of the directorate investigators."
The investigation comes after security personnel at Baghdad International Airport intercepted a co-pilot attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of gold bullion to Turkey.
The suspect was immediately arrested during the security screening process.
The Iraqi Integrity Commission, established in 2011, serves as the country's primary anti-corruption body, investigating cases of financial misconduct and corruption across all government sectors.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating smuggling operations through Iraq's transportation infrastructure, particularly its national airline.
Gold smuggling has been a persistent issue in the region, often linked to broader concerns about financial crimes and revenue losses for the state.