KRG Integrity Body Launches Hotline, Reports 2024 Findings

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Commission of Integrity has announced a major step forward in transparency and accountability by launching a hotline for citizens to file complaints related to corruption and misconduct.

This move, alongside the release of the Commission’s 2024 annual report, underscores KRG’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and enhance governmental integrity.

At a press conference on Monday, Dr. Ahmed Anwar Muhammad, Chairman of the Commission of Integrity, confirmed that the final 2024 report is now complete. Unlike previous reports, this year’s data includes figures from December 2024, ensuring a more comprehensive overview of corruption cases and investigations.

Muhammad noted that the report is currently awaiting submission to the Parliament Presidency and relevant authorities before being made available to the public. “We were waiting for the Parliament Presidency and other key entities to commence their duties before submitting the report to them first,” he stated. The report will be distributed to media outlets in the coming days, with full public disclosure anticipated.

According to Muhammad, the Commission has already made all previous years' reports accessible to journalists, but the actual figures from 2024 are higher than previously announced due to the inclusion of December’s data.

He also disclosed that 205 corruption-related cases were referred to court last year, with more details to be published within the next two weeks. Typically, the Integrity Commission releases data once or twice a year, but this year’s adjustments mark a more proactive approach to ensuring transparency.

Integrity Hotline for Citizen Complaints

One of the most significant announcements was the activation of a dedicated hotline for citizens to report corruption-related complaints. Although the hotline has existed within the Ministry of Justice for some time, it is now being actively promoted to encourage greater citizen participation.

Muhammad clarified that while the hotline operates under the Iraqi Activity Commission, which manages it in exchange for an annual fee, it will remain free for all citizens to use. He emphasized that the Commission is legally obligated to protect the identity of complainants, ensuring confidentiality and security for those who choose to report corruption.

“The hotline will allow citizens more freedom regarding the complaints they submit. By law, we must protect the identity of complainants unless they choose to disclose their information voluntarily,” Dr. Muhammad explained.

The introduction of this hotline aligns with broader efforts to strengthen government oversight, empowering citizens to play an active role in holding public officials accountable.

Digital Transformation in Corruption Disclosures

Muhammad also revealed that the Integrity Commission is implementing a new digital system for parliamentarians to complete their financial disclosure forms online. This initiative is part of a broader electronic governance strategy aimed at improving efficiency and verification processes.

The Commission is currently collaborating with the Department of Foreign Relations, the Cabinet Office, and the IT department at the Council of Ministers to streamline the transition to an electronic filing system.

Muhammad emphasized that the next phase of this initiative will make financial disclosures entirely digital, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and enhancing transparency measures. “This digital system will simplify the process while ensuring better verification,” he stated.

The activation of the hotline and digital financial disclosure system represents a major milestone in KRG’s anti-corruption efforts. With corruption cases under greater scrutiny and citizens now having a direct line for complaints, the Integrity Commission is taking significant steps toward fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.