The governor of Iraq’s oil rich city of Basra has fled to neighboring Iran amid a corruption probe, according to Middle East media.
Majid Al Nasrawi stood down last week as he faced mounted pressure over alleged graft charges linked to building projects in the city.
According to Iraqi media, Al Nasrawi crossed into Iran through a border post controlled by Shiite militia on Friday.
This was despite pledging to work with the parliamentary authorities tasked with carrying out the investigation.
A travel plan was due to be put in place when Al Naswari left the country.
He was reported as saying “I ask all the people of Basra to clear my name of these allegations, so that I can return to my duty”, when he announced his resignation on Thursday.
He assumed office in June 2013 and was educated in Australia.
The Integrity Commission of Iraq issued a statement in response to Al Nasrawi’s departure.
The statement said: “The Integrity Commission would like to inform the public of the reasons for the exit of the Governor of Basra from Iraq, where it was revealed that he left after the completion of his press conference directly, which means before the arrival of the decision to prevent travel by the Integrity Commission.
“The Commission took the decision after confirming the resignation of the governor, and reminds the Authority that the prevention of travel is not a duty, but a precautionary action by her, and to address the responsibility; the existence of investigations are not over yet.
“And notes that the judiciary competent to consider this case did not issue any arrest warrant against the governor until his travel!
“The Commission takes this opportunity to call upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approach the Iranian side as soon as possible to take