Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani called on Monday for cooperation with the UK in combating cross-border crimes and the extradition of criminals involved in corruption cases.
As he received British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, Sudani “highlighted the need to collaborate with the British side to combat cross-border crimes, particularly smuggling, human trafficking, drug-related offenses, and recovering stolen funds as well as the extradition of individuals sought by the Iraqi judiciary for cases related to corruption,” read a statement from the premier’s office.
Sudani stated that combatting corruption is a popular demand and its danger isn’t restricted to Iraq but jeopardizes the world countries.
Iraq plans to ask Interpol to issue international alerts seeking the arrest of former senior officials including former prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and an ex-intelligence chief over the alleged theft of more than $2.5 billion from the country’s Tax Commission.
Integrity Commission chief Judge Haider Hanoun announced the move to seek so-called Interpol Red Notices. Hanoun said the judiciary would also ask for a notice to be issued for the former finance minister, Ali Allawi, who holds British nationality.
Kadhimi and Allawi have both denied involvement in the alleged corruption, which came to light late last year after a new government came to power.
Allawi resigned in August 2022 citing political interference in government work and graft. He has since said that he took steps to prevent theft from occurring at the Tax Commission but that his decisions were ignored by other officials.
The Iraqi PM stressed that the government had prepared a national strategy to combat human trafficking in Iraq during 2023-2026 as well as a national strategy for combating drugs in 2023-2025.
He said his country has made “significant efforts” to combat drugs and human trafficking.
He further stressed that the Iraqi government welcomes the signing of a joint statement of intent and an MoU draft between the Iraqi and British interior ministries.
Sudani commended the UK’s support for Iraq in the war against ISIS.
The British minister expressed the UK’s willingness to provide further support and modern technologies to the Iraqi security forces.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral ties and agreed to increase cooperation in security and military, and in combatting terrorism and corruption.
