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Pentagon Investigates $6B in Contracts

Soldiers, civilians charged with taking bribes in Iraq

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 24, 2007 9:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Pentagon is investigating widespread graft involving US war-zone contracts, with 29 soldiers and civilians charged so far, the New York Times reports. Most of the scrutiny focuses on a contracting office in Kuwait, where an Army major is charged with taking $10 million in bribes from companies seeking contracts in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

More than 75 criminal investigations are under way, and the Pentagon is examining $6 billion in contracts, covering supplies from bottled water to tents. Two officers under investigation have committed suicide, the Times says. The Kuwait office under investigation awarded about $150 million in contracts a year but was staffed by about a dozen people with limited experience, an Army colonel says.

Relief Aid Is Brought To Thousands Of Desperate Iraqis (Getty Images)

US soldiers from the 782 Suport Batalion 4th Brigade Alpha Company... (Getty Images)

In this handout picture taken 14 March 2007, US Army Specialist... (Getty Images)

In this image released by the U.S. Army, Cpl. Benjamin Smart helps secure food shipments sent from the government of Iraq to the Husseiniyah area of northeastern Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, July 25, 2007,... (Associated Press)

Humanitarian Aid Arrives In The Iraqi Port Of Umm Qasr (Getty Images)

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Pentagon Investigates $6B in Contracts

Soldiers, civilians charged with taking bribes in Iraq

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Last US Combat Brigade Leaves Iraq

Military mission ending after 7 years, 5 months

Pentagon Looks at Army Intel Analyst's Role in Afghan Leak

Bradley Manning only worked on Iraq war

Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

Petraeus Panel to Rethink Iraq, Afghan Strategy

General assembles brain trust for 100-day review of regional efforts

Joint Chiefs Head Calls for Wider PTSD Screening

Post Traumatic Stress a 'bigger problem than we realize,' says chief

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Pentagon Investigates $6B in Contracts

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Pentagon • bribe • Kuwait • Army contracts • Army graft • Iraq war

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Last US Combat Brigade Leaves Iraq

Military mission ending after 7 years, 5 months

Pentagon Looks at Army Intel Analyst's Role in Afghan Leak

Bradley Manning only worked on Iraq war

Troops in Iraq Face Final Challenge: Moving Out

US military prepares to remove equipment from Iraq

Petraeus Panel to Rethink Iraq, Afghan Strategy

General assembles brain trust for 100-day review of regional efforts

Joint Chiefs Head Calls for Wider PTSD Screening

Post Traumatic Stress a 'bigger problem than we realize,' says chief

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?