Analytical Economic Study of the Phenomenon of Money Laundering and its Impact on Economic Growth in Iraq for Period (1991-2017): Reality and Future

Abstract

Today the phenomenon of money laundering is one of the most dangerous problems, because of its various economic, social and political dimensions, and there have been many attempts at different levels to confront them. But the role of the central bank is at the first, especially in countries where the central bank enjoys full independence. The Iraqi economy is heading towards a mysterious path as a result of the spread of this phenomenon in all sectors of the economy, and despite the numerous attempts by the Central Bank through the issuance of laws and instructions, and the ongoing supervision of commercial banks and other financial institutions, but could not prove their role significantly. The main objective of this study is to explain the impact of money laundering on economic growth of Iraq, as well as, showing the role of the Central Bank and other banking institutions in confronting this phenomenon. To achieve this objective, the study was based on the mex method (descriptive-analytical approach). The methodology was also adopted. It was based on Econometrics models by appling secondary data for period (1991-2017). Likewise, the descriptive approach based on questionnaire which distrubted amomg some (Commercial banks, Banking offices and Transfers Offices) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Finally, current study concludes that money laundering spread in Kurdistan region as well as in Iraq, because of wars, political and security instabilities, and the spread of financial, economic and administrative corruption. In addition, the increase of money laundering by (1%) leads to a reduction of GDP by (0.24%). Furthermore, if the central bank completely independent can confronte this problem. At the end, necessary defiance the money laundering by activation the laws and instructions on this phenomenon, and the continuous monitoring on Commercial banks, Banking offices and Transfers Offices, and the need to find modern techniqes to control the money laundering.