Iraqi integrity commission launches investigation into PM's senior advisor over bribery

The Iraqi Integrity Commission announced on Monday an official investigation into Abdul Karim Al-Faisal, Chief Advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, following the release of an alleged audio recording in which he reportedly discusses accepting bribes. 

The Commission, acting on a directive from the Prime Minister and in coordination with the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court, initiated the inquiry after the recording stirred public outrage and calls for swift judicial intervention.

The controversy erupted when a leaked recording circulated widely on social media platforms, purportedly capturing Al-Faisal discussing a commission of approximately 1.5 billion Iraqi dinars (around $1 million) in exchange for facilitating investment licences.

In the audio, the speaker—allegedly Al-Faisal—talks about collaborating on an industrial project and expresses frustration over prior payments. The audio leak led to immediate investigative action and heightened scrutiny of corruption within the Iraqi government.

Al-Faisal denied the allegations, calling the recording "fabricated" and maintaining he remains in office. The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement underscoring its commitment to legal action against those spreading "baseless lies," asserting that these tactics aim to mislead the public and undermine governmental achievements. Rabie Nader, Media Director for the Prime Minister, condemned what he described as "cheap tactics" intended to sway public perception.

This scandal follows prior corruption cases tied to the Prime Minister's Office, including the uncovering of a spy and extortion network earlier in the year. Senior officials, were implicated, and investigations into that network are ongoing. These incidents highlight Iraq's continued battle with corruption as it seeks to preserve public trust and reinforce accountability.

These incidents highlight Iraq's continued battle with corruption as it seeks to preserve public trust and reinforce accountability amidst public scepticism.