Millions Stolen From Iraq Reconstruction Fund

A library picture of the Iraqi city of Mosul (Picture: Department for International Development).

More than $40 million (£30 million) intended for the reconstruction of the Iraqi city of Mosul have been embezzled by local officials, according to an anti-corruption commission in Iraq.

Mosul was the stronghold of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq - the biggest city in its self-declared caliphate.

It took a huge military operation that devastated the old city to finally drive the jihadists out.

Since then, Mosul has managed to get back on its feet, but still needs considerable investment.  

A commission has accused officials close to the former provincial governor of stealing more than $60 million (£46 million) of public funds, mostly intended for rebuilding Mosul. 

The governor, Nawfel Akoub, has gone on the run since the tragic sinking of a ferry last month in which more than 100 people died.

Iraq is one of the worst offenders in Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index.