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Page last updated at 17:25 GMT, Tuesday, 10 June 2008 18:25 UK

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BBC UNCOVERS LOST IRAQ BILLIONS

By Jane Corbin
BBC News


Waxman: "It may well turn out to be the largest war profiteering in history."

A BBC investigation estimates that around $23bn (£11.75bn) may have been lost,
stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq.

The BBC's Panorama programme has used US and Iraqi government sources to
research how much some private contractors have profited from the conflict and
rebuilding.

A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.

The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies.

War profiteering

While Presdient George W Bush remains in the White House, it is unlikely the
gagging orders will be lifted.

To date, no major US contractor faces trial for fraud or mismanagement in Iraq.

The president's Democratic opponents are keeping up the pressure over war
profiteering in Iraq.

Henry Waxman, who chairs the House committee on oversight and government reform,
said: "The money that's gone into waste, fraud and abuse under these contracts
is just so outrageous, it's egregious.

"It may well turn out to be the largest war profiteering in history."

In the run-up to the invasion, one of the most senior officials in charge of
procurement in the Pentagon objected to a contract potentially worth $7bn that
was given to Halliburton, a Texan company which used to be run by Dick Cheney
before he became vice-president.

Unusually only Halliburton got to bid - and won.

Missing billions

The search for the missing billions also led the programme to a house in Acton
in west London where Hazem Shalaan lived until he was appointed to the new Iraqi
government as minister of defence in 2004.



Judge Radhi al Radhi: "I believe these people are criminals."

He and his associates siphoned an estimated $1.2bn out of the ministry. They
bought old military equipment from Poland but claimed for top-class weapons.

Meanwhile they diverted money into their own accounts.

Judge Radhi al-Radhi of Iraq's Commission for Public Integrity investigated.

He said: "I believe these people are criminals.

"They failed to rebuild the Ministry of Defence, and as a result the violence
and the bloodshed went on and on - the murder of Iraqis and foreigners continues
and they bear responsibility."

Mr Shalaan was sentenced to two jail terms but he fled the country.

He said he was innocent and that it was all a plot against him by pro-Iranian
MPs in the government.

There is an Interpol arrest warrant out for him but he is on the run - using a
private jet to move around the globe.

He stills owns commercial properties in the Marble Arch area of London.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Panorama: Daylight Robbery will be on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday 10 June 2008.



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