15-year prison sentence for contractor in Diyala swimming pool corruption case

DIYALA — Iraq’s Federal Commission of Integrity announced on Monday that a 15 year prison sentence has been issued in absentia against the managing director of a contracting company responsible for the Diyala Olympic Swimming Pool project, citing financial fraud and forgery.

The commission said in a statement, “The Federal Commission of Integrity confirmed a 15-year prison sentence in absentia against the managing director of a contracting company for committing forgery and financial manipulation.”

The Diyala First Criminal Court convicted the fugitive, Hamad Ali Ghadhib Maarij, of tampering with official financial advances related to the construction of the Diyala Olympic Swimming Pool. According to the commission, a review of financial advances revealed discrepancies between the company’s actual entitlements and the amounts documented. Evidence showed erasures and alterations in official documents, resulting in financial harm to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Additionally, the court found falsified documentation from the project’s resident engineer.

“The court, based on evidence including testimony from the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ legal representative and witnesses, concluded the defendant’s culpability,” the commission stated. The court sentenced Maarij to 15 years in prison under Article 289 of the Penal Code and related provisions related to falsification of official documents.

The ruling also authorized the plaintiffs to seek civil compensation and included an arrest warrant for the fugitive. A freeze on Maarij’s movable and immovable assets has been imposed to ensure restitution.