Former Iraqi MP Amir al-Maamouri has called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to launch an urgent investigation into state-owned properties, warning that the sector is vulnerable to misuse by influential political figures and groups.
In a statement issued on Saturday, al-Maamouri said the state property file requires a comprehensive review due to what he described as the illegal exploitation of public assets by certain powerful entities.
According to al-Maamouri, some political parties and individuals are allegedly using state-owned properties to facilitate money laundering activities and generate personal financial benefits.
He stressed that the government should take firm action to recover public properties that have been improperly acquired or used and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
“The state-owned properties file requires immediate attention and serious oversight,” al-Maamouri said, adding that stronger measures are needed to protect public assets and prevent their misuse.
Al-Maamouri also pointed to broader concerns within Iraq’s real estate sector, which has long been viewed as one of the areas most exposed to money laundering risks.
According to estimates cited in his statement, the real estate market handles around 100 billion Iraqi dinars in cash transactions annually and is considered a major channel for laundering illicit funds. He claimed that roughly 70% of such activities occur within Iraq, while the remaining 30% involve funds moved abroad.
The widespread use of cash transactions has historically made it difficult to track the true ownership of properties and identify suspicious financial activity. Before recent digital payment initiatives, the sector was estimated to rely on cash for around 85% of transactions.
Al-Maamouri further alleged that some networks conceal ownership by registering dozens of properties under different names and incorporating them into investment projects and residential developments.
He argued that these practices contribute to sharp increases in property prices, with some areas experiencing values several times higher than normal market levels.
The former lawmaker concluded by urging the government to strengthen oversight, improve transparency in property transactions, and accelerate efforts to combat corruption and money laundering within the real estate sector.
His remarks come as Iraqi authorities continue efforts to improve financial transparency, expand digital payment systems, and strengthen anti-money-laundering measures across key sectors of the economy.
