Integrity commission issues summon against former Nineveh deputy governors

BAGHDAD — The Federal Commission of Integrity announced on Saturday the issuance of summon orders for the former first and second deputy governors of Nineveh over suspected irregularities in a contract assignment. This contract, valued at 2.3 billion Iraqi dinars, involved the supply and installation of various endoscopy devices for the Nineveh Health Department and was allegedly improperly awarded to a company.

The commission stated that its investigation department has referred the case to the judiciary. The Nineveh court has summoned the deputy governors due to their endorsement of the contract with a private company, despite the bid failing to meet the necessary technical and legal standards.

The investigation uncovered that a health department official had leaked the detailed list of required devices to the contracted company prior to the bid opening and evaluation, ensuring the specifications and prohibitive conditions favored only the contracted company.

This maneuver was designed to guarantee the contract’s award to them. The summon orders are based on articles 331 and 340 of the Penal Code, which address violations of duty by public officials and the willful damage to public or entrusted property, respectively.

Article 331 of the Penal Code targets public officials or agents who act against their office duties or fail to perform, aiming to harm public welfare or unjustly benefit individuals, punishable by detention and/or a fine. Article 340 penalizes public officials or agents who intentionally harm the property or interests of their employer or associated authority, with penalties including imprisonment for up to seven years or detention.