In a shocking revelation, approximately $9 billion intended for compensation payments has been reported missing from the Diyala Governorate in Iraq. Sources with knowledge of the matter disclosed to Shafaq News Agency that the staggering sum was allegedly stolen by three employees who have since absconded to an undisclosed location.

The illicit activity transpired over an eight-month period, with the latest withdrawal amounting to 3 billion dinars (approximately $2.5 million) occurring mere days ago. The malfeasance came to light during a routine audit of the governorate's financial records, prompting immediate action from authorities.

Authorities have launched a high-level investigation to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this egregious act of corruption. The incident bears resemblance to the notorious "theft of the century," where $2.5 billion vanished from Iraq's tax authority between September 2021 and August 2022, executed through a series of suspicious transactions involving five companies.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has pledged to combat corruption vigorously, asserting that his administration will prioritize rooting out malpractice that has infiltrated various sectors of the state. This commitment comes amidst a wave of purges targeting associates of former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Corruption remains deeply ingrained in Iraqi institutions, perpetuated by a political landscape marked by ethno-sectarian divisions. Despite efforts to promote power-sharing, these arrangements have often facilitated rampant corruption and nepotism within government ranks.

Former Finance Minister Ali Allawi revealed that he had alerted Kadhimi's office about the embezzlement scheme as early as November 2021, urging for immediate action to halt unauthorized payments. However, the payments persisted, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within the government.

Investigations into the matter have uncovered alarming details, including the involvement of companies claiming to represent international oil firms. Some of these entities were established mere weeks before the onset of the fraudulent activities, casting suspicion on their legitimacy.

In total, an estimated 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) were siphoned from accounts at Rafidain, equivalent to approximately 2.81 percent of the country's 2021 budget. Portions of the embezzled funds were allegedly used to purchase US currency through the central bank's "dollar auction," further complicating the recovery process.

As authorities intensify efforts to hold those responsible to account, the incident underscores the pervasive nature of corruption in Iraq and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard public funds and restore trust in government institutions.