An arrest warrant against Sudani accuses him of, “stealing public money and mismanaging the ministry by importing expired foods and employing his relatives, including two brothers,” details the Washington Post. According to the New York Times, “The Trade Ministry’s duties include the oversight of various imports, including food staples, automobiles and construction materials. The ministry also operates the program that provides monthly food rations for Iraqis, offering items like sugar, rice, milk, tea, cooking oil and soap at heavily subsidized prices.”

“During Mr. Sudani’s tenure, however, there were frequent shortages, and some of the goods were distributed long after their expiration dates, arousing widespread public anger,” notes the article .

“We will not remain silent over corruption after today,” said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki during a visit to the Trade Ministry. “We will pursue those corrupt and bring them to justice” (Washington Post).

“The Government, which is aware of seething public disquiet over top-level corruption that is crippling the Iraqi economy and costing millions in lost investment, has promised severe action against guilty parties regardless of their stature. More than 997 arrest warrents have been issued this year as a result of the anti-corruption drive, including 51 for top-level officials,” write the Times.

Reuters reports that: “Officials estimate billion of dollars are embezzled or paid in bribes for government contracts, hurting Iraq’s ability to rebuild its shattered economy and infrastructure at a time when low oil prices are cutting into state revenues.”

Lawmakers have plans to question the “ministers of transportation and oil about mismanagement and corruption,” according to the Washington Post .

“Corruption is like terrorism, even more dangerous than terrorism,” Mahmoud Othman, an independent lawmaker, told the Washington Post. “It disintegrates the country and affects everything.”

Photo:Flickr/yasalbaz