Iraq probes alleged corruption at central bank

[October 16, 2012]  BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraqi officials say they have begun an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety involving the longtime governor of the central bank and other senior bank officials.

Iraqi Integrity Commission spokesman Hassan Karim Aati said Tuesday the body has received documents from a parliamentary committee investigating the corruption allegations and is looking into the matter. The commission is Iraq's anti-corruption watchdog.

A lawmaker involved in the investigation, Haitham al-Jabouri, said the probe is focused on about 16 bank officials, including the governor, Sinan al-Shabibi.

Spokespeople for the central bank say they are not authorized to comment, and al-Shabibi could not be reached. Deputy central bank governor Mudhhir Mohammed Salih confirmed he is among those being investigated, but says he has no further details.

[Associated Press]

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