Iraq's Ministry of Finance says all funds and assets lost to corruption must be fully recovered, stressing that protecting the state treasury is its primary responsibility. The ministry also said decisions on clemency for individuals convicted in corruption cases fall solely under the authority of the judiciary.

Protecting State Funds

In an official statement, the Federal Ministry of Finance outlined its position on recovering money and assets linked to corruption cases.

The ministry said its responsibility is to protect public finances and ensure the full recovery of all state funds lost through corruption.

Full Recovery Required

The Ministry of Finance said any recovery process must guarantee the return of 100% of the state's rights without any shortfall.

It added that any measures taken must be legally binding, safeguard public funds and property, and be enforceable in practice.

Clemency Is a Judicial Matter

The ministry clarified that decisions on judicial procedures or requests for clemency for individuals convicted of corruption are outside its authority and fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Council.

The clarification follows a proposal by the lawyer for Noor Zuhair, the main suspect in the "Heist of the Century," to return the stolen funds in exchange for benefiting from a general amnesty.

Response to the Supreme Judicial Council

The ministry's statement came in response to the Supreme Judicial Council, which previously said it had requested the Ministry of Finance's opinion on Noor Zuhair's proposal.

The council said it was awaiting the ministry's response before proceeding with any legal action related to the request.