Julay 6, 2006.

A committee investigating corruption in Iraq says it has reached unprecedented levels and those responsible are nearly untouchable.

Judge Radi Hamza Radi, head of the Iraqi Commission on Public Integrity set up in 2004, says corruption has "exploded" since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003.

Judge Radi blamed "the weakness of state institutions during the transition period which saw several governments succeed each other in a short period of time".

"Also, the absence of serious punishment hasn't helped us control this plague," he added.

Eight former ministers are under investigation, including former defence minister Hazem Shaalan, who is accused of "squandering" $A1.76 billion. Of 1,400 court cases filed 42 involved high-ranking officials.

"Hazem Shaalan fled the country and actually can be found in Britain, while most of the former officials haven't been touched by justice because they have left the country or have immunity," said Judge Radi.

"Only 23 suspects, mostly abroad, have been convicted and requests for their extradition have been presented to Interpol," he said.

"Dozens of police and army officers are in detention waiting to be tried, while employees of the education ministry have been charged with falsifying diplomas."

"It is impossible to bring to justice a high-level official without the permission of his minister and if he is implicated as well, then he does not give this permission," he explained.

"The law doesn't allow preliminary investigation and certain high-ranking officials do not authorise it."

Judge Radi said that even when the inquiry is approved the official in question is given advance warning and can flee Iraq.