The Integrity Commission announced Sunday details of a criminal complaint filed against Member of Parliament Hassanein Al-Khafaji, accusing him of blackmailing an investment project owner. In a statement, the Commission clarified media and social media reports regarding the criminal complaint currently
before the Central Criminal Court for Anti-Corruption. The complaint pertains to the blackmail of an investment project owner and demands for financial and material benefits in exchange for interfering in official procedures related to the project and justice. The Commission affirmed
that it exercised its legal right and duty to file the complaint against an Iraqi MP, following information indicating a case pending before the judiciary. The case involves the MP blackmailing a housing project owner, demanding the registration of 40%
of the project in his favour under the name of an employee in his office (the arrested suspect), in addition to requesting a sum of $500,000 US dollars. The Commission noted that the complaint arose from the accused's interference in procedures
related to the work of official bodies, without possessing any legal capacity or authority to do so. This interference was allegedly conducted by claiming to have connections and influence with various official entities, including the Integrity Commission itself. The Commission stressed
that all measures taken are within the framework of proper judicial investigation, and that the determination of facts, responsibilities, negligence (or lack thereof), and the issuance of decisions remains the exclusive jurisdiction of the judicial authority, in accordance with the
principle of the rule of law and the constitutional guarantees afforded to all parties concerned. The Commission affirmed its continued commitment to fulfilling its duties under its amended Law No. 30 of 2011, which focuses on combating corruption and protecting public
funds. It also emphasized its keenness to firmly address all acts of bargaining, blackmail, and abuse of influence. The Commission called for accuracy in covering cases pending before the judiciary, warning strongly against any false claims of association with it or
its staff, or the exploitation of its name to influence judicial or administrative procedures, or to obstruct the course of justice.
