The 2012 Russian arms package (about $4.2bn) and alleged commissions
In October 2012 PM Nouri al-Maliki's government announced a roughly $4.2bn package with Russia (30 Mi-28NE attack helicopters and 50 Pantsir-S1 air-defence systems). In November 2012 it was suspended amid allegations that Iraqi officials and middlemen had arranged large commissions; government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh resigned on 29 November 2012 over his alleged involvement, and a criminal case against him was later dropped for lack of evidence. A parliamentary committee reportedly named several senior officials as suspects. The deal was renegotiated and Russia said in June 2013 it had received the first payment.
- Period
- From October 2012 to June 2013
- Sector
- Defence and securityArms procurement (Mi-28NE helicopters, Pantsir-S1)
- Kind of case
- Parliamentary inquiry
- Jurisdiction
- Federal Iraq
How the money moved, according to the sources
Alleged kickbacks or commissions to officials and intermediaries built into a government-to-government arms contract.
What happened
Deal cancelled and re-signed; no convictions are on record.
Open questions
- Parliamentary committee report text and list of suspects; Integrity Commission file outcome.
People and companies
| Name | Role in the case | Legal status | Detail | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ali al-Dabbagh علي الدباغ | Government spokesman (resigned 29 November 2012) | Charges dropped or case closed | Resigned over alleged involvement; criminal case reportedly dropped for lack of evidence (Musings on Iraq). | 25 September 2026 |
Sources
- Musings on Iraq (blog, Joel Wing)8 August 2013Press reportTier D
Russian Arms Deal Follows Pattern Of Corrupt Purchases By Iraq
OriginalA criminal case was later dropped for lack of evidence
- English Wikipedia25 September 2026Press reportTier D
Ali al-Dabbagh
OriginalAldabbagh resigned from his post due to his alleged involvement in the Russian arms deal.