Widespread Corruption in the Ministry of Oil: A "Deep State" Operating Affairs in the Shadows
April 15, 2025, 3:55 pm

Widespread Corruption in the Ministry of Oil: A

النفط \ تعبيرية \ متداول

Under the title "The Deep State in the Ministry of Oil," investigations reveal an organized corruption network run by individuals linked to the Assad regime, where corruption within the ministry has transformed into a cohesive structure that fiercely protects its interests. This is not merely a transient phenomenon of administrative or financial corruption but indicates a comprehensive system that reproduces itself under the guise of superficial changes, while the essence of corruption remains unchanged.

Over the years, the Ministry of Oil has established itself as a center of gravity for the corruption system, with this network completely controlling contracts and deals, sidelining oversight bodies and turning them into pliable tools in the hands of top corrupters. Recently, contracts worth billions of dollars have been awarded to unqualified companies such as "Al-Mahama" and "Arvada," as well as to Russian and Iranian firms, without any public tenders or official announcements. Instead, the deals have taken place through closed channels directly connected to political and military decision-making centers.

Despite the appointment of a new minister amid promises of reform, the changes affecting some directors have amounted to nothing more than a "recycling" of old faces. The unjustified return of certain individuals who were dismissed due to their blatant corruption further frustrates qualified young talents who remain trapped within the loyalties governing the ministry.

Internal oversight is completely absent, with no reports of employee absenteeism or corrupt practices recorded. No serious investigations have been opened into questionable contracts despite the presence of complaints and evidence incriminating prominent figures.

The current government faces significant challenges, as it must take serious steps to dismantle the vested interests that have ruled the ministry for a long time. Will it break the wall of silence and activate accountability mechanisms against those involved in corruption? Will it open files on unlawful appointments and inquire about individuals who have achieved no tangible accomplishments?

The reform vision requires genuine participation from internal talents instead of issuing top-down decisions. Opportunity must be provided for the concerned employees who know the intricacies of corruption firsthand to ensure an effective reform process. If the government fails to uproot corrupt roots, any talk of reform will merely be a cover for the continuation of plunder in new ways, but it seems that the situation will not change without a fundamental shift in mentalities and policies.

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