The Impact of Weak Administrative Oversight on the Occurrence of Economic Crimes

Abstract

Administrative oversight weakness represents one of the factors contributing to the occurrence of economic crimes. Deficiencies in monitoring, inspection, and auditing, together with weak coordination among oversight bodies and delays in addressing violations, are associated with reduced capacity to detect unlawful acts at an early stage and prevent their continuation. The study adopts an analytical approach to examining the relevant legal provisions and oversight mechanisms under Iraqi legislation. The study concludes that weak administrative oversight does not necessarily mean its complete absence; rather, it reflects deficiencies in the effectiveness of its preventive and detection mechanisms, which may create conditions that facilitate the continuation of economic violations and their development into crimes when their legal elements are established. The study also finds that strengthening oversight over public funds, enhancing auditing, investigation, and information exchange, and developing electronic oversight mechanisms constitute essential measures for reducing the occurrence of economic crimes.